HC blast: Government inquiry blames PWD for failing to install CCTV

NEW DELHI: An internal inquiry by Delhi Government has indicted PWD for failing to install CCTV cameras at Delhi High Court, absence of which was cited as one of the major lacunae in the security system after September 7 blast.

The inquiry report, which found the procedural lapses, particularly on part of two senior engineers, has been sent to Union Home Ministry for further action.

The Public Works Department was asked to install CCTV cameras in various points in the High Court complex three years ago but due to procedural delays, the project did not take off.

Absence of CCTVs was cited as one of the major lacunae in the security system and government had ordered the internal probe after receiving severe flak for failing to install the cameras.

"The internal probe found lapses on part of the concerned engineers," top sources said, indicating action against those found responsible.

The demand for installation of CCTV camera was again raised after a low-intensity blast had exploded in the court complex on May 25. But after that blast also, PWD could not implement the project.

Admitting lapses on PWD's part, an official of the agency said the project, initially estimated at Rs 66 lakh, got delayed as Delhi Police kept changing specifications for the cameras.

"They kept changing the specifications in the last couple of years due to which we could not go ahead with the project" the PWD official said.

Re-tendering was also done following complaints about the make and quantity of the cameras, said another official, adding there was also confusion on the location of the cameras.

The official said there was a building and maintenance committee of Delhi High Court whose opinion PWD had to accommodate, which also led to the delay.