Cameras at dams for enhanced security

In an effort to enhance safety at the city reservoirs, the Water Resources Department has installed surveillance cameras near the floodgates on a trial basis.

After the Chembarambakkam debacle during 2015 floods, the PWD officials have increased patrolling to check on the inflow and the water level in the city’s reservoirs during rainy seasons.

Now, the department has installed four surveillance cameras each in the Poondi, Chembarambakkam and Red Hills reservoirs. In Poondi, the system has been tested already. On the whole, the online monitoring system would be functional in 10 days, officials said.

The sluice gates of the water body in Chembarambakkam were damaged during the 2015 floods and the emergency shutters had to be installed at Poondi reservoir a few years ago. Seepage was a common issue at all reservoirs during heavy rains, the WRD officials point out.

Will help plug leaks

“The cameras would help us monitor the outflow and also any damage caused to shutters during discharge of water. We will be able to learn about damage or leaks and fix them as soon as possible,” said an official.

As the cameras covered the main bund too, WRD officials expect it would help them to check miscreants.