CM Naidu: Use drones, blockchain to transform Andhra Pradesh into a zero-crime rate State

Amaravati: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to leverage technology extensively to transform Andhra Pradesh into a zero-crime rate State.

Reviewing the Real-Time Governance system at the Secretariat on Monday, CM Naidu said AP should become a model for law and order monitoring through advanced technology adoption.

Continuous CCTV surveillance of crime hotspots

CM Naidu instructed officials to ensure round-the-clock surveillance of crime hotspots using CCTV cameras to curb criminal activities. He called for revising regulations to allow the use of footage from private CCTV cameras for crime control purposes.

Emphasising the effective use of technology against politically motivated crimes, he warned that individuals committing offences under the guise of politics must be dealt with strictly. For such persons, he suggested invoking the Public Safety Act to collect relevant data.

Drones and CCTVs for public safety

The chief minister directed officials to extend the use of the Public Safety Act to collect CCTV footage from shopping malls, theatres and hotels during investigations. He also ordered increased deployment of drones and CCTV cameras across sectors to strengthen surveillance.

CM Naidu enquired about the progress of the proposed Drone City at Orvakallu.

Blockchain to protect government records

Highlighting the need for data security, CM Naidu advised the use of blockchain technology to secure government records, including revenue documents. He instructed that information from all departments be integrated through a data lake for seamless governance.

Officials informed him that 517 citizen services are currently being provided through WhatsApp Governance, but Naidu asked for further simplification to enhance the user experience.

Early warning systems in lightning-prone areas

CM Naidu stressed that early siren warnings must function efficiently in lightning-prone areas to save lives. He directed officials to ensure the advance activation of sirens in such zones.

Additionally, he called for the immediate restoration of physio-meters and sensors to monitor groundwater levels.

The chief minister also directed that data on reservoir water levels, inflows and discharges into the sea be properly recorded for effective flood management. He noted that reservoirs across the State are filling up due to current inflows.

Synchronising welfare data with RTGS

The chief minister instructed all government departments to synchronise beneficiary data with Real-Time Governance Society (RTGS) systems and ensure immediate updates of discrepancies.

Stating that the aim is to make Andhra Pradesh a poverty-free state by 2029, Naidu emphasised reorienting welfare schemes to reach the last person standing.

As part of the P4 framework, he called for the uninterrupted linking of ‘Bangaru Kutumbalu’ with mentors to strengthen the fight against poverty.