Mira-Bhayandar launches real-time CCTV monitoring in schools

In a significant move to enhance student safety, the Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) has established an integrated control and command (ICC) unit for real-time monitoring of CCTV feeds in municipal schools. This initiative, the first of its kind in the state, aims to provide continuous surveillance during school hours. Currently, eight out of the 36 municipal schools have their CCTV systems linked to the ICC unit, with plans to connect the remaining schools by September 5, coinciding with Teachers Day. The ICC unit, located beneath a fly-over bridge in Bhayandar, is equipped with advanced technology to monitor live feeds from the CCTV cameras installed across the schools. Municipal Commissioner Sanjay Katkar emphasized that adequate manpower has been allocated to oversee the live feeds, allowing for immediate response to any suspicious activities detected. This initiative comes in response to recent incidents of unrest regarding the safety of children, particularly following the sexual assault of two minor girls in a nearby school. In light of these events, the state government has issued new guidelines aimed at bolstering safety measures in educational institutions. While the government mandates the installation of CCTV cameras and requires footage to be reviewed at least thrice weekly, the MBMC's proactive approach to real-time monitoring reflects a commitment to ensuring the safety of approximately 9,000 students, including over 4,000 girls, enrolled in its schools. This comprehensive surveillance system is expected to significantly enhance the security framework within the educational environment.