Nagpur: In a major push to strengthen policing and tighten the security network across Nagpur district, the Maharashtra Government has accorded administrative approval to a Rs 136.29-crore project for installing an extensive CCTV surveillance system in 18 towns under the jurisdiction of Nagpur Rural Police.
The Home Department issued a Government Resolution (GR) on October 30, sanctioning an estimated expenditure of Rs 136,29,92,433 for the project. The initiative is aimed at enhancing public safety, strengthening law and order, improving police response to emergencies and keeping criminal activities under closer surveillance.
The CCTV network will cover Umred, Butibori, Kanhan-Pipri, Ramtek, Narkhed, Kalmeshwar, Khapa, Mowad, Mouda, Bhiwapur, Parseoni, Kuhi, Kandri, Kondhali and Mohpa. Katol, Saoner and Wadoda have also been included, taking the total coverage to 18 towns.
The project was initially drawn up for 15 towns at an estimated cost of around Rs 110.79 crore. However, following deliberations at a meeting of the High-Level Empowered Committee held on October 13, the scope was expanded to include three additional towns, resulting in a substantial increase in the project cost.
Nagpur Rural Superintendent of Police Dr Harssh A Poddar submitted the consolidated proposal to the State Government on October 19, incorporating the revised coverage and estimated expenditure of Rs 136.29 crore. The proposal was subsequently scrutinised by the concerned departments before receiving administrative approval. The Finance Department has also given its concurrence to the project.
The Superintendent of Police, Nagpur Rural, has been designated as the Controlling Officer responsible for overseeing the project. Officers authorised to draw and disburse funds through his office will manage the expenditure related to its implementation.
Once operational, the surveillance network is expected to provide police with enhanced monitoring capabilities at important public locations, roads and other strategic points in the 18 towns. The system is expected to help detect suspicious movements, facilitate quicker responses to incidents, assist investigations through CCTV footage and strengthen preventive policing.
The approval marks a significant investment in technology-driven policing in rural Nagpur district. By extending CCTV coverage beyond the city and into key towns, the administration aims to improve surveillance infrastructure and create a stronger deterrent against crime.
