Shillong, Oct 16: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has unveiled a two-phase plan to enhance security in the state capital and other major towns through the installation of CCTV cameras and establishment of local command centres.
The initiative aims to improve safety and security of women and children in Shillong.
According to the CM, 48 localities have been contacted and implementation has started in seven locations with another 40 localities to be wired and CCTVs to be active within 60 days. The Shillong Municipal Board (SMB) has identified 47 locations for CCTV installation, with each locality having three to five locations.
The first phase of the project involves installing CCTV cameras in localities and setting up local command centres that will be controlled by headmen and dorbars. “Work has already started and seven locations have been completed, with 40 more to be finished by November or December,” Sangma said.
In the second phase, the CCTV control rooms will be connected to the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) at New Shillong. The system will have sub-command centres that will be accessible to local headmen and dorbars. Sangma said the project will start with urban areas like Shillong, Tura and Jowai and then be extended to district headquarters, sub-divisions and other locations.
The initiative will provide a good sense of security and safety to all people, particularly women and children, the CM predicted. “As we move forward, after discussions with schools and localities, we will be happy to take this forward,” he added.
The Chief Minister’s announcement came after a consultative meeting with stakeholders, including headmen, faith-based organisations and others to discuss ways to improve safety and security in the state.
During the meeting the Chief Minister said the government and society must work together with a coordinated multi pronged approach to protect women and children ensuring a safe and happy life and environment for them.
Strong legal frameworks, support services like helplines and shelter houses, education on gender equality, sex education, sensitisation, awareness programs, stronger and aggressive measures towards drug abuse, drug trafficking etc, social media and its negative impacts, school drop outs, teenage pregnancies, unemployment, were some issues that were discussed at length. Different participants also stressed on the need of having counsellors and counselling.
The Chief Minister also appealed to citizens to use social media responsibly to reduce such crimes.
