600 AI-Powered Cameras, Panic Buttons to Secure Pune’s 22 Hills; Rs 80 Crore Sanctioned
Pune, 21st February 2025: In response to rising concerns over safety on Pune’s hills, particularly after the Bopdev Ghat gang rape case, the Maharashtra government has sanctioned ₹80 crore to the Pune Police for implementing advanced security measures. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that the funds will be released immediately, and security installations will be completed within the next six months.
The security project will be executed in two phases, with the first phase covering 12 hills in Pune. Senior police officials, including Commissioner Amitesh Kumar, have conducted site inspections and finalized the security plan. The initiative aims to prevent crimes such as robbery and assault, which have been reported in these remote areas.
As part of the project, a total of 600 state-of-the-art CCTV cameras will be installed across 22 hills, including Hanuman Hill, Bopdev Ghat, Old Katraj Ghat Tunnel, Taljai Hill, Sutardara-ARAI Hill, Baner Hill, Vetal Hill, Chatushrungi Hill, Kondhwa’s Parsi Maidan, Parvati, Canal Road, and temple areas like Jogeshwari and Bolhai Mata. Among these, 200 cameras will have Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) functionality, and AI-based cameras will be deployed to detect and track criminal activities in real time.
To enhance immediate response capabilities, panic buttons will be installed at strategic locations on the hills. If pressed, the panic button will trigger an instant alert to the police control room, notifying patrolling officers. Additionally, 177 high-intensity floodlights will be installed to improve visibility at night.
The police will also integrate a loudspeaker system for emergency announcements and citizen guidance. In cases of distress, patrolling officers can use the PA system to warn or instruct people on the hills.
Additional Security Enhancements
Drones and patrolling vehicles will be deployed for real-time surveillance.
A radio frequency system will be implemented in areas with weak communication signals to ensure uninterrupted police coordination.
The police control room will receive live CCTV footage as soon as the panic button is activated, enabling rapid response.
Speaking on the initiative, a senior police officer stated, “We are committed to ensuring public safety. The integration of AI-based surveillance, panic buttons, and real-time monitoring will significantly strengthen security on Pune’s hills and prevent criminal activities.”
The project marks a significant step toward making Pune’s public spaces safer, with the government and law enforcement working together to enhance security infrastructure across the city.
