The Government of Punjab has approved a plan to establish a Safe City surveillance system in the Katcha areas, similar to the model already operating in Lahore.
The project received formal approval from Maryam Nawaz and is estimated to cost around Rs. 676 million. It is designed to address the unique geographical and security challenges of the riverine Katcha region.
According to a report prepared by the Punjab Safe Cities Authority, the area’s river islands, dense forests, and difficult terrain make surveillance and monitoring particularly challenging.
The report also noted that extensive sugarcane cultivation in the region provides cover for criminal groups. Additionally, the absence of reliable mobile network coverage in many parts of the Katcha belt has created difficulties for law enforcement operations.
To improve security, authorities plan to deploy thermal and taser-equipped drones for round-the-clock surveillance. Thermal imaging cameras will enable monitoring during nighttime operations, while advanced vehicle tracking systems will also be introduced.
The entire system will be managed through an integrated control room to ensure coordinated operations. Solar-powered surveillance sites will also be installed to extend monitoring capabilities in remote and off-grid locations.
