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Delhi Cops Get Eyes: Body Cams for Pollution Patrols
13 Nov
Summary
- Body cameras will monitor Delhi's pollution enforcement teams.
- Over 300 'Vayu Rakshak' teams are deployed to combat pollution.
- Air quality in Delhi reached severe levels with AQI over 400.
Delhi's government is equipping on-ground enforcement teams with body-worn cameras to enhance oversight of pollution violation responses. This initiative directly addresses concerns about inadequate inspections and enforcement lapses. The move comes as Delhi's air quality index (AQI) crossed the 400 mark, entering the severe category.
More than 300 'Vayu Rakshak' joint teams, comprising officials from DPCC, MCD, and Civil Defence, are working round the clock. These teams are tasked with preventing activities like waste burning and construction rule violations. Their vehicles are already equipped with GPS for movement tracking.
Each team will have a member wearing a body camera, which can record for up to eight hours and provide live feeds to a control center. This decision aims to curb instances where teams allegedly failed to respond to complaints or reach reported violation sites, ensuring better accountability.
Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) and the Winter Action Plan are currently in effect, imposing strict restrictions on pollution-generating activities. Essential construction and demolition work are prohibited except for critical projects, reinforcing the city's commitment to cleaner air.
