Pune, Maharashtra – The residents of Bavdhan are growing increasingly frustrated as numerous CCTV cameras in key areas, including LMD Chowk and Laxmi Datta Chowk, have been non-functional for an extended period. The issue has sparked concerns among residents about the potential risks to public safety and the need for immediate action.
Manish Deo, a resident of Bavdhan and a member of the Bavdhan Citizens Forum, expressed his concerns, stating, “For the past 8 to 9 months, CCTV cameras in areas like LMD Chowk, Laxmi Datta Chowk, near Tinseltown society, and more have been non-operational. Complaints raised on the PMC portal are redirected to Smart City officials, who claim they are not responsible for CCTV maintenance in Bavdhan. The ward office refers us to the main PMC building at Shivajinagar. The police, who monitor the cameras, insist they are only responsible for surveillance. This bureaucratic shuffle leaves us questioning: who will be held accountable if an incident occurs in these areas?”
Vyankatesh Patil, another Bavdhan resident, shared his frustration, stating, “Complaints about CCTV issues were submitted 5 to 6 months ago. The responsibility has been passed from one authority to another, with no response from either the PMC or Smart City. The situation is critical, especially near Laxmi Datta Chowk, where the broken CCTV camera poses a significant risk due to the high footfall and proximity to the highway. We will follow up on the complaint with the PMC soon.”
C S Krishnan, a core member of the Bavdhan Citizens Forum, emphasized the recurring problem, stating, “CCTV cameras in Bavdhan have faced persistent issues. After installation, there is a lack of regular maintenance. Authorities often neglect crucial projects after their inauguration, leading to non-functional surveillance systems. Regular maintenance is the key to resolving this issue.”
Shrinivas Kandul, Chief Engineer (Electrical) at PMC Electrical Department, responded to the concerns, stating, “We will investigate the issues and take appropriate action.”
As residents await action, the spotlight is on the authorities to address the non-functional CCTV cameras and ensure the safety of Bavdhan residents.
