Mangaluru: Giving an impetus to the installation of closed circuit television cameras (CCTVs) in the city, the police conducted a drive last week that has now led to the installation of 210 more CCTV cameras in different areas.

With this, a total of 1,830 CCTV cameras have been installed in public places here.

Installation of CCTV cameras and other access control systems in public places has been made mandatory under the Karnataka Public Safety (Enforcement) Act.

According to the Act, security devices should be installed at all establishments where more than 500 people visit per day. This Act applies to commercial establishments, educational institutions, religious places, bus stations, railway stations, hospitals and other establishments.

Security review

In view of the serial bomb blasts in Sri Lanka, Police Commissioner Sandeep Patil reviewed security arrangements at vital installations, religious places, malls and other establishments in the city.

Instructions were sent to Police Inspectors to ensure that all public places in their areas complied with the provisions of the Act.

“CCTV cameras form a vital part of crime prevention and crime detection. We will continue this exercise to ensure that all public places are covered by CCTV cameras,” Mr. Patil told The Hindu.

Penal action will be initiated against those who do not install CCTV cameras, he said.

The city police, on their own, have installed 200 surveillance cameras at important traffic junctions. More surveillance cameras will be installed under the Smart City Scheme in the next few days, Mr. Patil said.