SRINAGAR: In a bid to address the alarming rise in road accidents caused by underage drivers, Srinagar’s traffic authorities have deployed a network of 1,000 surveillance cameras across the city’s busiest intersections.
While the initiative aims to enhance road safety and enforce traffic regulations, it has ignited a spirited debate about the balance between public safety and individual privacy.
Muzaffar Ahmad Shah, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Traffic Srinagar, highlighted the operational focus of the new system.
"This initiative is legally mandated and aims to identify violators to reduce road conflicts," Shah explained.
"Previously, traffic officers depended on handheld devices, but this advanced system ensures transparency and accuracy. These cameras are strategically installed at traffic junctions to minimise violations and enhance ground-level enforcement."
Shah also sought to allay public fears about privacy infringement, clarifying, “The backend operations are supported by Smart City servers equipped with multi-layered security protocols to protect data. The system is strictly for traffic management and is separate from surveillance networks used for security purposes in Srinagar.”
The public response to the initiative has been mixed. Afaq Hussain Khan, president of the Green Valley Taxi Stand, welcomed the move, describing it as a “game-changer” for Srinagar’s often chaotic roads.
"Under SSP Muzaffar Shah’s leadership, traffic management has seen remarkable improvement. With the sheer volume of vehicles, it’s unrealistic to expect traffic police to handle all violations manually. This ‘third eye’ system will encourage more disciplined behaviour," he said.
However, he also called for greater transparency in the issuance of e-challans, adding, “Drivers should be able to understand the basis of their fines, and this system has the potential to eliminate ambiguities.”
Conversely, some residents remain unconvinced. Syed Mudasir, a student at GMC Srinagar, voiced concerns over the potential misuse of the cameras. “While managing traffic is essential, these cameras should not extend to unnecessary surveillance, especially in low-traffic areas,” he argued.
Aashiq Hussain (name changed), a sociologist, contextualised the initiative using Michel Foucault’s concept of surveillance.
“These cameras act as a modern panopticon, influencing behaviour by creating a perception of constant monitoring. While this may improve compliance with traffic laws, such systems can also normalise a culture of control, where people self-censor beyond what’s required for traffic discipline. The challenge is ensuring that the system doesn’t overreach,” he noted.
SSP Muzaffar Shah sought to dispel fears of overreach, asserting, “This system is not exclusive to Srinagar but is part of a nationwide initiative. Its sole purpose is to enforce traffic regulations. Surveillance for other purposes is managed through a separate network under the jurisdiction of Srinagar police.”
As Srinagar embraces this technological shift, the initiative underscores a broader societal tension between prioritising public safety and safeguarding personal freedoms.
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