A surge in thefts targeting critical surveillance infrastructure has begun to erode Chandigarh’s much-touted smart city grid, with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) warning the municipal corporation (MC) that at least 25 batteries powering closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera systems have been stolen in the past month alone.
The ICCC forms the backbone of Chandigarh’s smart governance system, integrating feeds from hundreds of cameras to monitor traffic flow, enforce violations, and support policing. The system is also linked to automated challan generation, emergency response coordination, and urban monitoring. “These are not isolated incidents anymore. “It directly impacts public safety. BEL has urged the MC to immediately lodge FIRs and coordinate with Chandigarh Police to step up patrolling and surveillance at vulnerable sites. The company has also recommended preventive measures, including securing installations and increasing monitoring of field equipment. Despite the availability of video evidence wherein the burglar was caught in the act, there has been no filing of complaint by the MC so far.
Chandigarh has nearly 2,000 public and traffic surveillance CCTV cameras installed across about 287 key locations and intersections. The thefts have taken place in Sectors 28/29, Poultry Farm areas, railway light points, and most recently, a city surveillance site in Sectors 37/41. In the August 17 incident, a UPS unit and three batteries were stolen.
The battery thefts have an immediate fallout – cameras go dark, traffic systems fail, and enforcement mechanisms collapse, BEL said. CCTV footage has captured the suspect clearly, raising questions about delays in police action, according to BEL. The pattern suggests targeted removal of batteries from ICCC field infrastructure,” an official familiar with the communication said. Municipal commissioner Amit Kumar said, “We are aware of the theft incidents and will be filing a joint complaint with BEL with police authorities.”
