The Punjab government has approved a plan to establish a Lahore-style Safe City project in the Katcha areas, with Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz giving formal approval to the initiative.
The project, with an estimated cost of Rs. 676 million, aims to address the geographical challenges of the riverine Katcha region through the use of modern technology.
According to a report prepared by the Safe City Authority, the area’s river islands and dense forests pose significant challenges for surveillance and monitoring.
The report also highlighted that sugarcane crops in the region provide hiding places for criminal elements. In addition, the lack of mobile network coverage in the Katcha areas remains a major obstacle for security operations.
The report states that thermal and taser-equipped drones will be used to ensure 24-hour surveillance in the region. Thermal cameras will enable effective monitoring during nighttime operations, while advanced vehicle tracking systems will also be introduced as part of the project.
The system will operate through an integrated control room to ensure coordinated operations. Solar-powered surveillance sites will also be installed to provide extended coverage in remote locations.
