Plan to install CCTVs in crime ‘hotspots’, mobile app for women’s safety: CM
Bhubaneswar: State govt has decided to enhance women’s security by deploying sophisticated CCTV surveillance systems at “hotspot zones” prone to criminal activities. The govt is also working on developing a mobile application for women’s protection.
“To ensure women’s safety and curb crimes against them, the govt has drawn (up) several plans for the 2025-26 financial year. CCTV cameras will be installed in hotspot zones in 10 districts to help police identify culprits involved in crimes against women,” a written reply by chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi in the assembly on Monday revealed, in response to BJD’s Jaleswar MLA Aswini Kumar Patra’s question on the govt’s road map for women’s safety.
As per Majhi’s reply, the surveillance cameras at the “hotspot zones” will strengthen security measures and ensure better protection for women. He said the proposed women’s safety app will be integrated with the emergency response support system (ERSS) or dial 112 system.
Police sources said that in the first phase, a survey is being carried out in 10 districts — Khurda, Puri, Cuttack, Ganjam, Sundargarh, Balasore, Sambalpur, Angul, Koraput and Balangir — to identify the potential risk zones where crimes against women may occur. The identification of these zones will be based on data collected from FIRs and reported incidents of harassment, molestation and stalking of women.
“We will include frequently visited locations like shopping malls, parks and women’s colleges within the crime hotspot zones. The installed cameras will provide continuous surveillance, assisting in criminal identification and tracking, while ensuring swift emergency responses,” DGP Y B Khurania told TOI.
According to police, the surveillance system is expected to discourage potential offenders, as they will be aware of being recorded, with footage usable as evidence in legal proceedings. As per the plan, police teams will be deployed in these hotspot zones during peak hours and in the evening. These teams will conduct regular patrolling and maintain a visible presence to deter criminal activities.
Police officers also emphasised that installing CCTV cameras is vital for women’s safety, as recorded footage helps analyse crime patterns and identify areas requiring additional security measures. Locals endorsed the security measure. “CCTV surveillance and tracking of criminals will contribute significantly to creating a safer environment for women. Regular patrolling is equally essential,” said Smaranika Tripathy, an activist.
“To ensure women’s safety and curb crimes against them, the govt has drawn (up) several plans for the 2025-26 financial year. CCTV cameras will be installed in hotspot zones in 10 districts to help police identify culprits involved in crimes against women,” a written reply by chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi in the assembly on Monday revealed, in response to BJD’s Jaleswar MLA Aswini Kumar Patra’s question on the govt’s road map for women’s safety.
As per Majhi’s reply, the surveillance cameras at the “hotspot zones” will strengthen security measures and ensure better protection for women. He said the proposed women’s safety app will be integrated with the emergency response support system (ERSS) or dial 112 system.
Police sources said that in the first phase, a survey is being carried out in 10 districts — Khurda, Puri, Cuttack, Ganjam, Sundargarh, Balasore, Sambalpur, Angul, Koraput and Balangir — to identify the potential risk zones where crimes against women may occur. The identification of these zones will be based on data collected from FIRs and reported incidents of harassment, molestation and stalking of women.
“We will include frequently visited locations like shopping malls, parks and women’s colleges within the crime hotspot zones. The installed cameras will provide continuous surveillance, assisting in criminal identification and tracking, while ensuring swift emergency responses,” DGP Y B Khurania told TOI.
According to police, the surveillance system is expected to discourage potential offenders, as they will be aware of being recorded, with footage usable as evidence in legal proceedings. As per the plan, police teams will be deployed in these hotspot zones during peak hours and in the evening. These teams will conduct regular patrolling and maintain a visible presence to deter criminal activities.
Police officers also emphasised that installing CCTV cameras is vital for women’s safety, as recorded footage helps analyse crime patterns and identify areas requiring additional security measures. Locals endorsed the security measure. “CCTV surveillance and tracking of criminals will contribute significantly to creating a safer environment for women. Regular patrolling is equally essential,” said Smaranika Tripathy, an activist.
