Wanowrie citizens worry due to non-functional CCTV cameras
Wanowrie citizens worry due to non-functional CCTV cameras(Pic for representation purpose)
By: Pune Pulse
October 20, 2023
Pune: Citizens of the Wanowrie area are in distress as several CCTV cameras do not function in the area posing a safety threat to citizens.
Speaking to Pune Pulse, Amogh Gaikwad, a resident of Wanowrie, said, ” The issue of non-functioning CCTV cameras has been going on for several years in Wanowrie. Several major areas & chowks of Wanowrie such as Jambhulkar Chowk, Shanti Nagar Society Jagtap Chowk, Samvidhan Chowk, Shivaji Putala, and many more had CCTV cameras installed & they were working too. However, they have become non-functional now. Hence, there is no safety at all. An accident happened recently but the culprit couldn’t be quickly found due to non-functional CCTV cameras.”
He further stated, “Other crimes like thefts, chain snatching, etc also happen. If the CCTVs aren’t functioning, how will any updates of crime incidents reach the police fast & the accused get caught? Some two-wheelers drive very roughly from the locations which are major ones like Shivaji Putala etc. So, to check those & take action promptly, functional CCTVs are required. We have requested the relevant authorities many times but nothing has been done about it yet.”
Maithili Manakawad, a resident of Wanowrie and secretary of Wanowrie Residents Forum said, “The CCTVs are non-functional for many years now. If the CCTVs are not being used why does the administration have to waste people’s money? Around 3 to 4 years ago, CCTV cameras were installed in Wanowrie. However, only 5 to 6 cameras were working. A tender has been issued regarding the maintenance of the CCTV cameras. The police say that the PMC has to look after the installation & maintenance part of the CCTVs. While installing cameras, taxpayers’ money is used. When it comes to maintenance & accountability, everyone blames it on others.
Bhausaheb Pathare, Senior Police Inspector, Wanowrie Police Station, said, “All the CCTV cameras installed in the Wanowrie area are working fine & functioning well.”
In July 2023, 40 CCTV cameras linked to Wanowrie Police Station were shut.
Speaking to Pune Pulse, Sangita Dhage, Junior Engineer, PMC Electrical Department, said “Strict action was taken during G20 Summit on encroachment on street poles, cables, wires and more due to which CCTV camera wires & connections had been cut. We wilL restart maximum number of CCTV cameras in Wanowrie, many are linked to Wanowrie and Kondhwa Police stations and hence that needs to checked by visiting these police stations. CCTV which are found not to be working will be repaired.”
When Pune Pulse spoke to Prashant Jagtap, former corporator Wanowrie he assured that the issue will be raised with the concerned authorities and get the cctvs functional.
Shreyas Vange
