Pune: As the city of Pune gears up for Ganeshotsav, concerns are growing over the incomplete maintenance and repair of CCTVs, which are crucial for ensuring the safety of devotees during the festival.

While the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) began installing CCTVs several years ago across key roads and junctions for traffic enforcement and public safety, the upkeep of these cameras has been neglected after the initial two-year maintenance period.

In the past few weeks, PMC Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale directed the electrical department to expedite the repair of CCTVs, particularly in central parts of the city, ahead of the Ganesh immersion processions. A budget of ₹50 lakh was allocated for this purpose.

The maintenance work has made progress in areas like Parvati, Sahakarnagar, Shivajinagar, and Chatuhshrungi, but the situation remains concerning in other major police station jurisdictions.

In key police station zones like Faraskhana, Vishrambaug, Khadak, and Samarth, only 60% of the necessary repairs have been completed.

With the festival's immersion day approaching, there is growing uncertainty about whether the remaining work will be finished in time to provide the required security coverage.

The work has been further delayed by large advertisement arches installed for Ganeshotsav, which are obstructing CCTV repairs in several locations.

Police and municipal authorities are under increasing pressure from citizens, who are questioning whether the required security infrastructure will be ready in time for the immersion processions.

Given the massive crowds expected during the festival, operational CCTVs are critical for maintaining law and order and ensuring the safety of the public.