Authorities Engage in Blame Game as Safety Concerns Mount Among Commuters
A brewing dispute between the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd (PMPML) has come to the fore over the absence and non-functionality of CCTV cameras along Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) routes. This issue has raised significant safety concerns among commuters, with criminal activities reportedly on the rise at BRTS stops.
Authorities from both PMC and PMPML are trading accusations rather than addressing the pressing issue at hand. PMPML officials claim to have repeatedly alerted the civic body about the need for installing and repairing CCTV cameras, only to receive no response. However, the head of the electrical department at PMC denies receiving any such complaints or requests, adding fuel to the ongoing blame game.
The BRTS operates on eight corridors across Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, but the lack of functional CCTV cameras poses a serious security threat. Instances of theft and pickpocketing have been reported, particularly during peak hours when BRTS stops are crowded. Residents and commuters are urging authorities to take immediate action to ensure their safety.
According to PMPML officials, CCTV cameras installed at several stops along the Swargate-Katraj route have either been stolen or rendered non-functional. Despite repeated pleas for repairs and replacements, no concrete steps have been taken by the PMC to address the issue.
Residents like Atharva Deshpande and Darshana Rawat emphasize the importance of reinstating CCTV cameras for passenger safety, especially for women traveling at night. They call for the deployment of security guards to monitor the cameras and deter criminal activities.
In response, Anant Waghmare, BRT manager of PMPML, underscores the priority placed on passenger safety, expressing disappointment over the lack of action from the concerned department. Meanwhile, Srinivas Kandul, chief of the electrical department at PMC, asserts that necessary repairs and maintenance are being carried out based on received complaints, refuting claims of inaction.
As the dispute continues, commuters remain apprehensive about their safety, urging authorities to prioritize the installation and upkeep of CCTV cameras on BRTS routes without further delay.
