The MCGM is proposing to build a state-of-art surveillance system, hailed as the first of its kind in India, to protect its water reserves. Senior officials of the civic body’s hydraulics department said high-tech night vision cameras, connected to a well-equipped vigilance control room, will keep a watch on various head works, water trunk mains, lakes and dams as well as municipal land. The department has already called for expression of interest (EOI) from specialised surveillance providers to suggest ideas and conceptualise the project to establish a project cost.
The hydraulic department of the BMC, which is responsible for the water need of around 3,100 MLD to 12 million Mumbaikars, confirmed that water scarcity across the state and the high number of water thefts for industrial or domestic purposes was the motive behind the idea.
A senior department official said, “At present, there is no system that can keep a vigil on the main water pipelines, reservoirs, lakes, dams and water resources at our disposal. There are a number of times when political bodies, for their vested interests, create water connections for hutments and various other localities. The surveillance system will help us keep vigil and resolve issues faced by taxpayers.”
Dr Sanjay A. Mukherjee, additional municipal commissioner, said the system would be unique. “We are looking forward to have a high-tech system with night vision cameras which can track any movement around the water bodies or pipelines. The cameras will also be monitored around the clock through a command centre. We have invited experienced bidders for conceptualisation, planning solutions, designing of compatible surveillance system including latest electronic surveillance which won’t be limited to CCTV cameras,” he said.
As MCGM authorities are in the dark about the probable project cost of the project, officials confirmed that the cost would depend on the project designs submitted by EOIs. Surveillance companies have been invited to submit their EOIs till June 17 after which the department will take a call on the course of action.
