Chandigarh: Fresh incidents of theft and vandalism targeting the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) field infrastructure have raised concerns over the security of the city’s surveillance and traffic management network. After recently reporting eight such cases, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), the agency maintaining the ICCC system, has informed the municipal corporation about two more burglary incidents and sought immediate preventive measures.In a letter to the MC commissioner, with a copy marked to the SSP, BEL reported that three UPS batteries were stolen from the AP Chowk traffic lightpoint and three more from the Gurdwara Chowk traffic lightpoint in Sector 20. The agency also pointed to the recent theft of three UPS batteries from Colony No. 4.BEL said the incidents indicate that critical ICCC field infrastructure is being deliberately targeted. According to the agency, rack locks at Colony No. 4 and Sector 45 were forcibly cut using grinders, while field network systems were damaged using cutting machines and other tools.The company expressed concern over the increasing frequency of such incidents, stating that thefts and damage to field equipment directly impact the availability and functionality of the ICCC network.BEL urged authorities to strengthen security at vulnerable locations, increase patrolling and register FIRs in cases involving damage to network infrastructure.Officials said field locations house key network components and serve as points from where optical fibre cables connect CCTV cameras installed across the city, including entry and exit points, commercial hubs, traffic intersections and other prominent public places. Damage to these installations can affect the wider surveillance network and disrupt ICCC operations.BEL cautioned that any further burglary or vandalism could adversely affect the functioning and uptime of ICCC services, stressing the need for immediate action to safeguard the infrastructure and ensure uninterrupted operations.
