The phased removal of 1.4 lakh Chinese-sourced CCTV cameras in New Delhi has begun, as announced by the Minister for the Public Works Department, Parvesh Sahib Singh, on April 1. This initiative addresses concerns regarding the cameras’ origin and their implications for national security, particularly given that these devices were installed during the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) governance.

The project, managed by the Public Works Department, initially involved the installation of a total of 2,74,389 CCTV cameras across the city. Of these, 1,40,000 were installed during Phase 1 from September 2020 to November 2022, with the remainder installed in Phase 2 from June 2025 to March 2026. All cameras from the first phase were sourced from the Chinese company Hikvision, which has faced international scrutiny over security concerns.

Security Concerns Highlighted

Singh opined that the earlier approach to procurement lacked consideration for national interests, commenting that the surveillance cameras had originally been viewed merely as a means of enhancing public safety rather than a critical security issue. He stated that the replacing of these cameras would not only address security weaknesses but also elevate the standard of technological deployment within the city.

In outlining the plans for this phased removal, it was noted that the initiative includes replacing the Chinese cameras with advanced systems that adhere to stringent data security criteria. Singh reiterated that maintaining uninterrupted surveillance during this transition is a priority to ensure the city’s safety is not compromised.

Implementation Details Announced

To initiate the replacement process, Singh declared that approval has been granted to replace 50,000 of the Chinese cameras in the first phase. This systematic approach aims to ensure that each outdated camera is substituted with a reliable and secure system, thereby reinforcing the integrity of the city’s surveillance infrastructure.

Officials have communicated that this phased approach will enhance the security and functionality of surveillance operations within New Delhi. The intention is to eliminate reliance on any equipment associated with companies that have been linked to security concerns, specifically those based in China. The overall objective is to ensure a robust and secure framework for the surveillance system going forward.

The minister concluded by contrasting the previous administration’s focus on numbers and publicity with his current government’s commitment to security and accountability. The paramount goal, he said, is the protection of Delhi’s citizens and ensuring that no compromises are made regarding their safety.

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