The Bengal government is struggling to install 7,500 CCTV cameras across 28 medical colleges within the established timeframe because of delays from manufacturing companies in supplying the necessary equipment.

“The state government fixed October 10 as the deadline to install 7,500 CCTV cameras in 28 medical colleges across the state. However, the manufacturers could supply only about 40-45 per cent of the required number of cameras. We are trying to get the remaining number of cameras at the earliest,” said a senior state government official.

The shortage in supply of the gadgets has added to the state government’s worry as the Supreme Court on Monday expressed unhappiness over the “tardy” progress in installing the cameras and putting in place other necessary infrastructure at medical colleges and hospitals in Bengal. The apex court directed the state to complete the ongoing work by October 15.

Setting the deadline for the state government, the SC bench consisting of Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice Manoj Mishra said: “Why is the progress so tardy? We have been hearing this matter since some time now.”

Sources said that chief secretary Manoj Pant on Tuesday had a meeting with the Public Works Department (PWD) and Webel, both state-owned companies, which have been assigned to install the cameras and asked the agencies to expedite the installation process.

“The problem is that the companies said they could supply the remaining cameras only after they are produced in the manufacturing units. Getting the cameras at the earliest has hit a roadblock as production in the manufacturing units could slow down at this moment since the festive season is knocking at the door,” said a senior bureaucrat.

Sources aware of the development said that the cameras, requisitioned by the medical colleges, are sophisticated and production was not done in bulk.

The cameras to be installed will be varifocal. Their lenses will have adjustable focal lengths. The angle of view and level of zoom can also be adjusted according to
requirements. Such cameras are used in airports, hospitals, government offices and
warehouses.

“There are thousands of fixed-lens cameras in the market... But as the requirement of these 4 to 5 megapixel cameras is limited, these are not easily available in
the market. But to provide the best security net in the hospitals, installation of these cameras is essential,” said another official.

The cameras, which are AI-enabled, will be installed with armoured cable that cannot be damaged by mice. Such cables are not easily available in the market.

The agencies were also facing trouble installing the cameras. Sources said all the cameras would be connected to a server. This would allow investigation agencies to take note of every detail of the persons caught in the cameras in case of an emergency.

“Installation of servers and cameras in an operational hospital is not easy... Technicians cannot work round the clock since patients remain admitted in the wards. This is the reason several cameras procured so far could not be installed,” said a technician involved in the installation process.

Of the 7,500 cameras, the PWD would install 5,200 cameras, while Webel would do the remaining job.

Sources said that before the installation of the cameras, the PWD had carried out a joint inspection with the police in the medical colleges so that all possible areas could be brought under the CCTV coverage.

“Now, the plan is ready and funds were also sanctioned... As soon as we get the cameras, installation will be done as per the requirement,” said a source, adding that it seems tough to get the remaining CCTV cameras before the third week of October.