Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)

Udupi, Aug 11: The Udupi district police have launched an ambitious surveillance and security initiative aimed at enhancing safety and curbing criminal activities in the region.

Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar, addressing the media at a press conference held on Monday, August 11, said, “The Udupi district police, in collaboration with the Udupi District Chamber of Commerce, have planned an ambitious project to install 601 cameras across 207 junctions in the district at the estimated cost of Rs 2.5 crore.”

In the initial phase, 10 ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Reader) cameras will be installed in sensitive locations such as border areas, places prone to communal disturbances, and key locations: Karkala Rural PS limits – Mala, Hosmar, Sacharipete; Karkala Town PS limits – Sanur; Hebri PS limits – Someshwara; Amasbail PS limits – Hosangadi; Kollur PS limits – Dali; Gangolli PS limits – Mel Gangolli; Malpe PS limits – Malpe Beach; and Udupi Town PS limits – City Bus Stand.

Additionally, 10 high-quality cameras will be installed at the following locations: Udupi CMC limits – Kalsanka Junction, Karavali Junction, Indrali Bridge, Santhekatte Junction, Service Bus Stand, Old KSRTC Bus Stand; Kundapura Sub-Division – M Kodi Junction, Kandlur Market; and Karkala Sub-Division – Baradi, Naravi.

The footage from these cameras will be monitored round-the-clock at the respective local police stations as well as the District Police Control Room.

As part of the door-to-door visit programme, the Udupi District Police have launched the "Drishti scheme". To prevent criminal activities in selected towns and market areas of the district, a night patrol system has been introduced. This aims to curb theft, crimes against women, and offences committed by drug addicts, while ensuring the safety of commercial establishments, lone-house residents, and senior citizens.

Under this scheme, appointed security guards will patrol their assigned areas from 10 pm to 6 am. If they spot any suspicious person or incident, they must immediately inform the beat police or the district police control room. The remuneration for these security guards will be borne by the residents of the respective locality where the guard is deployed.

Currently, the Drishti scheme has been launched in 12 locations – two each in the jurisdiction of Udupi City, Shirva, and Gangolli police stations, and one each in the limits of Kundapura, Hebri, Karkala Town, Hiriyadka, Shankaranarayana, and Brahmavar police stations. In the coming days, it will be expanded to 21 more locations across the district.

The press meet was attended by representatives from the Udupi Chamber of Commerce.