SRINAGAR: The District Magistrate of Baramulla has directed commercial establishments and telecom service providers across the district to install or augment CCTV surveillance systems, citing security concerns and the need to strengthen crime prevention and monitoring.
The directions were issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, through Order No. 29-DMB/2026 dated August 1.
According to the order, all commercial establishments that have not yet installed CCTV cameras must install an adequate number of high-resolution cameras to ensure complete visual coverage of their premises, including adjoining roads, access lanes, and entry and exit points. Establishments with existing surveillance systems have also been directed to expand coverage wherever required.
The order follows recommendations from the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Baramulla, who informed the district administration that nearly 65 to 70 per cent of commercial establishments in the district are yet to install CCTV cameras. The SSP, in a communication dated May 9, 2026, recommended wider surveillance coverage to enhance public safety and assist law enforcement.
The District Magistrate said the decision was taken in view of the prevailing security situation and incidents involving theft, drug peddling, narcotics-related activities, vandalism and the movement of suspicious persons in the district.
The order also extends to telecom infrastructure. Acting on another communication from the SSP dated July 27, 2026, the administration directed telecom service providers to install or strengthen CCTV surveillance at all telecom tower sites across the district.
The administration noted that telecom towers are critical infrastructure that plays an indispensable role during emergencies, disasters and law and order situations, making them vulnerable to sabotage, theft and other security threats.
The directions have been issued on the recommendations of the SSP, Baramulla, with the aim of improving surveillance, supporting criminal investigations and preventing unlawful and subversive activities across the district.
