monkeywire AT lists.ibiblio.org

Subject: The #1 source for news about monkeys and apes

List archive

[monkeywire] Delhi-based monkeys destroy surveillance cameras

From: Carrie McLaren <carrie AT stayfreemagazine.org>
To: monkeywire AT lists.ibiblio.org
Subject: [monkeywire] Delhi-based monkeys destroy surveillance cameras
Date: Sun, 4 Jul 2004 10:59:38 -0400

India News > Delhi cops ensure surveillance cameras are monkey-proof
http://news.newkerala.com/india-news/index.php?action=fullnews&showcomments=1&id=26861
New Delhi, July 3 (IANS) :
When Delhi Police decided to install cameras to keep a tab on frequent political protests held in the heart of the city, they came up against a unique problem -- the devices had to be monkey-proof!

The stretch where the 10 hi-tech closed circuit cameras were installed -- the high-security area between Jantar Mantar near Connaught Palace and Vijay Chowk -- is a favourite haunt of a large number of monkeys.

Senior police officers said the hi-tech cameras would be of great help in keeping a tab on traffic and demonstrations in the high security zone.

But while planning the ambitious project a year ago, officers had to incorporate special safeguards to ensure that monkeys did not damage the cameras.

A police officer said: "It had come to our notice in tests that ordinary cameras were damaged b
monkeys. So, we decided to get a model that the monkeys couldn't grip with their hands."
While selecting the cameras, Delhi Police roped in experts from central intelligence agencies and dozens of models were scrutinised. The experts rejected cameras that were large as monkeys could easily grab and damage them.

"The experts provided details of about how monkeys can grip objects. The camera that was finally selected was one that was designed in a way that no monkey could grip it from any angle," the officer said.

The new cameras were installed at 10 different locations on Parliament Street, the busy thoroughfare in front of the parliament building.

"It is a well known fact that Jantar Mantar is a hub for all kinds of demonstrations, protests and political gatherings, which sometimes become difficult for us to handle.
"The new cameras will help police officers monitor each and every movement of people participating in protests and gatherings," the officer said.

Explaining the system for monitoring the gatherings, the officer said: "Images provided by the cameras will be watched on television screens kept in the office of the deputy commissioner police for New Delhi district. This will help the officer to take stock of the situation instantly."

[monkeywire] Delhi-based monkeys destroy surveillance cameras, Carrie McLaren, 07/04/2004