In Pune's Prabhat Road area, a surge in crimes, including theft, vehicle accidents, crimes against women, and other severe incidents, is raising concerns among residents.
The Pune Municipal Corporation’s CCTV cameras, crucial for surveillance, have been found non-operational, hampering the police’s ability to conduct investigations efficiently.
Despite the rising crime rate, the municipal authorities have been criticized for their lack of seriousness regarding the maintenance and repair of these surveillance systems.
Significant incidents, such as a recent Porsche car accident, sandalwood theft, and harassment cases, particularly in Bopdev Ghat, have been reported in recent months.
Numerous incidents of theft, accidents, and attempted murders in crowded areas emphasize the importance of functional surveillance systems in these areas.
During the investigation of the sandalwood theft in Prabhat Road, officials discovered that the CCTV cameras at the location were inoperative, revealing negligence on the part of the Municipal Corporation.
Even though Municipal Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale allocated emergency funds before the Ganesh Festival for the repair and maintenance of cameras in central areas, the work remains incomplete even as Diwali approaches. The Electrical Department had begun maintenance, but technical challenges have led to delays.
The city requires extensive CCTV coverage to ensure public safety; however, with the existing cameras malfunctioning and authorities passing the responsibility between the Municipal Corporation and police, the issue persists.
Out of the 2,289 cameras installed, 1,562 have surpassed their maintenance period, and 725 are yet to be serviced.
Despite these issues, the corporation claims that technical difficulties in laying underground cables and festival-related obstructions have delayed progress.
The situation is causing concern among residents, who question why these cameras, which could help control serious crimes, are not prioritized.
