To strengthen public safety and surveillance, District Magistrate Sachin Kumar Vaishya has mandated the installation of CCTV cameras at key establishments across Jammu. This directive, issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, aims to enhance security through advanced surveillance technology.
Establishments Required to Install CCTV Cameras
The order applies to high-footfall areas, including:
- Banking and financial institutions (banks, ATMs)
- Retail and commercial spaces (shopping malls, jewellery shops, petrol pumps, liquor shops)
- Hospitality sector (hotels, restaurants, cinemas)
- Educational institutions (schools, colleges, universities)
- Public and religious places (temples, mosques, churches)
- Healthcare facilities (hospitals, clinics)
- Transportation hubs (bus terminals, railway stations, airports)
- Corporate offices and government buildings
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Installation Guidelines and Compliance Deadline
Business owners and market associations have been given two weeks to comply with the directive. The guidelines for installation include:
✔ Coverage: Cameras must cover entry and exit points up to 40 meters.
✔ Continuous Monitoring: Systems must operate 24/7 with power backup.
✔ Video Quality: Minimum 1920×1080 resolution for clear footage.
✔ Storage Duration: Footage must be stored for at least 30 days.
Law Enforcement Access and Reporting Suspicious Activity
The collected footage must be provided to law enforcement agencies upon request. Any suspicious activities observed must be immediately reported to the local Station House Officers (SHO). The SHOs will monitor compliance and submit a list of non-compliant establishments to the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Jammu.
Legal Consequences of Non-Compliance
The CCTV installation mandate will be enforced from February 17, 2025, for an initial eight-week period, with provisions for extensions or modifications if necessary. Establishments failing to comply will face legal action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.
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This initiative underscores Jammu’s commitment to enhancing security and crime prevention through modern surveillance. Business owners and institutions must act promptly to ensure compliance and contribute to a safer urban environment.