The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority has sanctioned Rs 54.36 crore to the Greater Chennai Police for enhancing surveillance, constructing new police stations, setting up a drug rehabilitation centre, and upgrading community policing infrastructure under the Vada Chennai Valarchi Thittam, aimed at strengthening law enforcement and social inclusion in North Chennai.
This substantial investment reflects a strategic shift towards a more holistic and sustainable urban policing framework that goes beyond conventional law enforcement. It prioritises not only crime prevention but also social rehabilitation and technological integration, making North Chennai’s urban environment safer and more equitable. A major portion of the funds—Rs 31 crore—has been earmarked for building two modern police stations in the fast-growing areas of Kolathur and Peravallur. These neighbourhoods, long grappling with infrastructure deficits amid rapid urbanisation, will benefit from improved policing access and decentralised administrative capabilities, crucial for managing increasing public safety demands.
In addition to infrastructure expansion, Rs 9.75 crore will be utilised to construct dedicated police barracks to house officers travelling from other districts for court duties and special assignments. This facility aims to optimise manpower deployment and reduce logistical inefficiencies, enhancing operational readiness. On the technological front, Rs 9.16 crore has been allocated for the installation of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras at 45 critical junctions across North Chennai. The AI-powered system will facilitate real-time vehicle monitoring, streamline detection of stolen vehicles, and support enforcement of traffic regulations, contributing to both crime reduction and improved traffic management.
Understanding the intersection of social issues and urban crime, the CMDA’s plan includes Rs 2.95 crore for establishing a drug rehabilitation centre. This facility will offer comprehensive support including medical treatment, counselling, and reintegration programmes targeting vulnerable youth affected by substance abuse, promoting community health alongside public safety. Furthermore, Rs 60 lakh has been dedicated to developing 10 Police Boys and Girls Clubs. These centres will foster social inclusion by offering after-school education, vocational training, and recreational activities to children from marginalised communities, helping to build civic awareness and reduce juvenile delinquency.
Enhancing patrol efficiency is also a priority, with Rs 90 lakh allocated to acquire 60 new two-wheelers. This fleet expansion will enable faster response times and improved ground-level presence, vital for effective community policing. This funding package is part of the broader Vada Chennai Valarchi Thittam, a multi-departmental urban development plan supported by the state government and overseen by CMDA. It underscores the growing recognition that sustainable city development depends on resilient social institutions and inclusive infrastructure.
As Chennai progresses towards becoming a smart and sustainable metropolis, this initiative exemplifies how urban security can be reimagined through community engagement, technology, and infrastructure equity, creating a safer, more inclusive city for all residents.
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