Ahmedabad: Gujarat Police are set to expand the state’s CCTV surveillance network with greater public participation. State police chief Gyanendra Singh Malik has asked police commissioners and district superintendents to encourage residential societies, traders and commercial establishments to install cameras covering roads and other vulnerable points.
The initiative seeks to replicate the Ahmedabad model, where more than 24,000 CCTV cameras were installed between 2024 and 2026, with voluntary support from citizens, trader organisations and associations during Malik’s tenure as city police commissioner. More than 3.8 lakh privately owned CCTV cameras are currently operational across Gujarat, according to police.
Police said the network has helped in crime prevention and detection. Police said wider CCTV coverage would assist investigators in tracking suspects and reconstructing crimes while also acting as a deterrent. However, comparatively fewer cameras cover public roads, parking areas and entry and exit points of residential societies, prompting the department to focus on filling these gaps. Malik has directed police commissioners and district SPs to hold meetings with residents’ associations, citizens and traders’ bodies and encourage them to voluntarily strengthen CCTV coverage in their areas. Police have also advised residents and commercial establishments to position cameras to cover not only their premises but also adjoining roads, parking spaces and key movement points. Inspector general of police, law and order, has been designated as the nodal officer for coordinating the statewide campaign. The department has appealed to citizens to participate in the initiative and contribute to building a stronger surveillance network across Gujarat.