While such measures aim to boost public safety, critics highlight the lack of transparency and accountability surrounding their impact and potential misuse.
In preparation for Holi and other upcoming festivities, the Hyderabad police in Telangana have launched a new initiative called the D-CAMO (Drones and Cameras Maintenance Organisation) wing. According to a report by The Times of India, this wing will oversee the functioning of CCTVs, drones, and other surveillance equipment deployed across the city.
The initiative is likely to reassure those who value heightened security measures during large gatherings, particularly during festivals. However, the question remains: what happens to the surveillance data collected after the celebrations end? Over the years, city police have frequently employed drones during religious and cultural events to monitor activities and maintain law and order. Whether for Holi, Shab-e-Barat, or similar occasions, the sight of drones patrolling the skies is increasingly common. Yet, there appears to be little transparency about how this technology is used or its overall effectiveness.
The broader implications of such surveillance are significant. While authorities justify these measures as essential for public safety, critics argue they could inadvertently or deliberately target specific communities. Activist S.Q. Masood, for example, raised concerns in early 2023 about police monitoring through CCTVs, highlighting the potential infringement on citizens’ privacy. These worries are compounded by past incidents, such as the misuse of anonymized surveillance data during the Delhi riots, which demonstrate how such information can be weaponized against marginalized groups.
The lack of clear accountability raises important questions: How is the collected data stored? For how long? What tangible benefits have drones provided in preventing or solving crimes? The issue isn’t confined to Hyderabad. Across India, drones have been used for various purposes, from monitoring illegal firework production in Agra during Diwali to overseeing festivities in Chennai and Kerala. Despite these deployments, police reports rarely explain how drone technology directly contributes to reducing crime rates.
As central and state governments invest more in surveillance technology, the onus is on them to prove its efficacy and address privacy concerns. Without transparency and accountability, such measures risk eroding public trust.
