Over three dozen CCTV cameras will soon start capturing all the movements and activities on Goa's crowded beaches. This move is part of the State Government's initiative to curb illegal activities on the shores.

The Goa Tourism Department has moved a proposal of installing more than 36 CCTV cameras at vital locations, mostly crowded beaches, which would be monitored 24X7 by a dedicated control room back in Panaji.

The Tourism Director, Mr Swapnil Naik, said the State Tourist Department security force, a semi-police force in the making, will be empowered to monitor these cameras through a dedicated control room.

Tourist Security Force is still being formed, as recruitment for this elite force was held back by the erstwhile Congress—led government and now the BJP-led Government is expected to revive the process.

The proposal for CCTV cameras worth Rs 2.5 crore is likely to figure in the State Budget that would be presented by the Chief Minister, Mr Manohar Parrikar, tomorrow.

Mr Naik said, “At present, cameras do exist at 18 locations, which monitor the activities only during the day. They don't have a night vision facility,” Goa has a 105-km long beach stretch.

Drishti Special Response Pvt Ltd, a private firm assigned the job of keeping life guards on the beaches, is handling these low-visibility gadgets, capturing black and white images.

“The existing cameras would be upgraded and additional cameras with night vision facility would be installed on the beaches,” Mr Naik said, adding that similar cameras are also proposed to be installed at churches and temples, which are tourist attractions.

According to officials, the cameras will be able to keep a vigil on the activities on the beach during the nights.

DGP Mr Kishen Kumar, during his recent visit to the beach had expressed unhappiness over the security arrangements here.

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