The Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) project, launched under the Smart City Mission at a cost of Rs 105 crore, has come under repeated attack from thieves, severely affecting the city’s surveillance system.

Over the past 26 months, miscreants have stolen nearly 750 batteries worth about Rs 50 lakh from CCTV camera units installed across Amritsar. Shockingly, several thefts occurred in high-security areas such as outside the DCP (Law and Order) office, GT Road near Guru Harkrishan School, DC office, Court Complex and Maqboolpura. In three incidents, thieves even took away four poles along with the cameras.

According to officials, the company executing the Smart City project has lodged 150 complaints at various police stations, but no recovery has been made so far. The thefts h

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