A 35-year-old Head Constable with the Radio
Department of Ujjain Police has developed a portable closed-circuit television
(CCTV) surveillance system that can function even when there is no permanent
network around. Gaurav Jaiswal worked for over five months to develop this
system that has been so effective that the Ujjain Police has gone on to
replicate the effort.
Jaiswal said, “The most remarkable thing about
this innovation is that it doesn’t require a permanent infrastructure for an
operational CCTV system. Wherever surveillance isn’t available due to
construction, distance or other reasons, this system can be deployed, and
surveillance can be initiated immediately. This means a surveillance network
can be established within minutes at places where permanent wiring for CCTV
cameras can’t be laid.”
It is learnt that at a meeting of police
officers to discuss traffic and CCTV arrangements at city intersections, it was
disclosed that construction work for the spiritual gathering Simhastha in 2028
had disrupted CCTV lines at several locations. That’s when Jaiswal came up with
his idea of a portable CCTV system. A resident of Dewas, Jaiswal is a BCom graduate
who joined the Madhya Pradesh Police in 2013.
Work began under the direction of
Superintendent of Police (SP) Pradeep Sharma, and five systems were ready
within five months. A demo was given during the Baba Mahakal procession, which
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav also witnessed and appreciated.
The system was initially designed to be 12 ft
high but was modified because of transportation difficulties. Presently, its
portable height is 6 ft which can be increased to 12 ft if needed. It has a
metal body weighing approximately 1 quintal and ensures stability while
toppling resistance even in adverse conditions. Special fixing points have been
provided to ensure its stability during strong winds, storms and hurricanes.
This portable camera system includes a 1 kw
solar panel, a 100 Ah battery, a UPS and a modem for internet access. It can
also be powered by an electrical supply if needed. Four high-definition cameras
are installed for all-round surveillance with a surveillance range of 400 m.
The system also includes a digital video
recorder (DVR) and router. Through an authorised user ID and password, live
footage can be transmitted to mobile devices and the police control room. This
means that if additional surveillance is needed at a fair, procession, protest,
demonstration or large event, instead of building a new permanent CCTV network,
this system can be delivered and installed on the spot.
Sharma said, “This system is completely
portable and can be dismantled and assembled in minutes. The total cost of one
unit is less than Rs 1 lakh. It will be useful primarily for maintaining law
and order. As far as I know, this type of portable surveillance system for the
Police has not been installed anywhere else.” This experiment, born out of the
challenges of Simhastha, has now become a model security solution for the
police personnel across India.