Pimpri-Chinchwad: The efficacy of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras as a crucial security tool has been compromised in Pimpri-Chinchwad, where an alarming 75 percent of installed cameras are currently non-functional. The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) undertook the installation of 2,400 cameras across the city as well as thousands more under the Smart City initiative. However, the poor quality and incomplete wiring of these devices have rendered a substantial portion of them useless.
The significance of functional CCTV cameras for enhancing security cannot be overstated. Despite these efforts, a staggering number of cameras remain inoperative, posing significant challenges for law enforcement in maintaining public safety and surveillance.
Commissioner of Police (CP) Vinay Kumar Choubey, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Sanjay Shinde, Additional CP Vasant Paradeshi, and other officials recently visited the CCTV command control room to address the pressing issue of non-functional cameras. The focus was on identifying the roadblocks and devising strategies to make these cameras operational.
The core problem lies in the incomplete wiring of cameras installed under the Smart City initiative. This matter was brought to the attention of authorities approximately seven to eight months ago. Regrettably, no substantial progress has been made to address the issue, despite its urgency and relevance. The inefficacy of the cameras has also hampered ongoing investigations, as evidenced during the inquiry into the Aditya Ogle kidnapping and murder case. Additionally, certain cameras have produced indistinct footage due to inadequate lighting conditions.
Recognizing the severity of the situation, law enforcement promptly notified both civic and Smart City officials about the dire need for a resolution. However, even after the passage of eight months, an overwhelming 75 percent of the city’s cameras continue to remain out of operation.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, the quality of cameras installed under the Smart City initiative has been flagged as suboptimal. Furthermore, despite the physical installation of cameras, the wiring aspect has not been adequately addressed. This issue plagues numerous vital intersections within the city, including Nehru Nagar Zero Boyz Chowk, Gandhi Nagar, MIDC Road, Wakad, Pimple Saudagar, Ravet, and Nigdi Pradhikaran. The completion of wiring work was initially slated for November 2022, yet the situation remains unresolved, as acknowledged by a senior police official who wished to remain anonymous.
