Residents in Pune have raised a serious issue regarding the non-functional state of several CCTV cameras installed across the city. They have cited that many cameras are reportedly out of order, leaving residents and police unable to rely on them during incidents.
Concerned residents voiced their frustration, highlighting how the lack of functional surveillance leaves them helpless during disputes or emergencies.
Residents speak up
Rupesh Kesekar, a resident, raised the issue and said, “During a visit to Shivajinagar police station, I saw a few CCTV cameras were non-functional. According to officials, the cables of these cameras were damaged during an official event in August 2023, attended by the Prime Minister. Despite follow-ups, only a few cameras have been repaired since. Similar issues have been reported at the Vishrambaug Police Station and other locations, where non-operational cameras have impacted investigations.”
“Why are the PMC-installed cameras not properly maintained? Why are crores of taxpayers’ money being spent if the systems are not operational?” asked Keskar.
Bharat Surana, a resident of Maharshi Nagar, said, “The PMC passed the tender for the installation of CCTV cameras across Pune. They installed and fitted these cameras at various locations and handed them over to the police for monitoring to maintain law and order. However, most of these cameras are nonfunctional. In my area at Marketyard, around 80 CCTV cameras were nonfunctional. After several complaints, PMC has now started the repair work at Bibwewadi and other areas. The police, on their part, claim to have received no communication from the PMC about the condition of these cameras. Moreover, no records of repairs or maintenance have been provided when inquired.”
“The lapse not only affects public safety but also casts doubt on the efficient utilization of municipal funds. Both the PMC and local police are now under scrutiny as residents demand swift action to address these shortcomings,” he added.
Manisha Shekatatkar, head of the electric department at PMC, said, “We have started the drive for the maintenance work of the CCTV cameras, but I won’t be able to give you the exact details today. However, in the coming 15 days, we are planning to repair most of the CCTV cameras.”
