Christanand Pednekar/Goemkarponn desk
CURCHOREM: Lakhs of rupees have gone down the drains as the Curchorem and Quepem markets are without CCTV cameras.
The main component is CCTV cameras installed by the MPLAD scheme a few years back to keep watch on the town’s day-to-day happenings that were left without maintenance, which subsequently led to CCTVs non-functional.
Locals felt that CCTV cameras in today’s era play a vital role in aiding policing agencies to track crimes, traffic violations and keeping an eye on suspicious activities.
In Quepem and in Curchorem, an important issue is that the prime locations from both these towns, including their market places, do not have CCTV cameras installed.
A few years back, in the Curchorem market, 63 CCTV cameras and 8 CCTV cameras in the Quepem market were installed under the MPLAD scheme, but due to the lack of maintenance work of these cameras, most of them are now out of order.
One may wonder what is so concerning about this issue, but one must not forget that in both these towns security issues such as robbery, theft and crime are on the increase and with no CCTV cameras in prime places in town will make the policing work of the police difficult in today’s fast life.
When inquired with some citizens what they feel about this issue, a resident of Quepem Franky Fernandes said today CCTV is a core component in an overall security strategy as it helps monitor criminals activities and also acts as a deterrent to criminals.
However, its functions are even more powerful when integrated with other traditional security solutions such as access control, remote management tools and emergency communication systems.
“Today, crime, robbery, theft, murder has increased in the state. Even we have CCTV c,ameras to monitor to deter the crime. Unfortunately some of us do not take this matter seriously as installing CCTV cameras in important places will prove helpful,” Fernandes added.
Another person, James Fernades, a local of Tilamol-Curchorem, mentioned that security cameras are already playing a key role in the drive to smarter cities. Deep learning and AI are becoming more prevalent, as cameras can more accurately gather data and make predictions based on integrated analytical software manufacturers have developed.
While the shift to a ‘smart home’ environment is also playing its role, consumers have easier access than ever to easy-to-install wireless devices and doorbell cameras.
Further, he added that it is important to have adequate security measures for homes and business spaces. Many shops, commercial spaces, educational institutions, and public areas are now under the watchful eyes of surveillance systems.
The recordings can be used to monitor and theft crime. CCTV footage can also be produced as evidence in the court of law. The advancement in technology has also enabled sophisticated night vision cameras to capture every movement outside your house at night. This way you can be sure about the safety of you and your loved ones. With a sharp increase in the setting up of CCTV cameras for commercial surveillance, the prices of CCTV systems have recorded a drastic decline,” he said.
As per the available information, some factors as to why CCTV cameras are important are that it helps deter thieves and robbers, record evidence, monitor suspicious activities, keep a tab on activities, and maintain adequate records” Fernandes added.
Meanwhile, when contacted the authorities about non-functioning CCTV cameras, Quepem municipality chairperson Suchita Shirwaikar said that Quepem Deputy Collector called a special meeting regarding the CCTV camera that is not working. That decision will be taken as soon as possible for the installation of new CCTV cameras.
Quepem Police Inspector Deepak Pednekar said the higher authority has given directions to us to make awareness over installing CCTV cameras in our jurisdiction. He further added that seven panchayats and one municipality have already made letters regarding installing CCTV cameras in our jurisdiction.
Curchorem Cacora municipality chairperson Vishwas Sawant Desai said that the CCTV cameras which were installed before, some of them are not working and some are damaged. Some CCTVs were removed, which were on electric poles. Desai said that directions have been given to them by the local Curchorem police station for the new installation of CCTV cameras and that we are trying our best to install CCTV cameras. Efforts are also being made to get funds. If we get funds from the 14 and 15th finance scheme, then it will help,” Desai added.
When contacted, Curchorem PI, Ravi Desai, agreed, saying, ” Yes, there is an issue regarding CCTV cameras not working in the Curchorem Market area.
Desai also agreed that CCTV will prove helpful to detect crime via CCTV footage, and for that, we have already taken steps to inform Curchorem cacora municipality and local authorities like panchayat, which comes under Curchorem police station jurisdiction.
He added that around 15 different locations along with Curchorem and in Sanvordem constituency are considered for installation of CCTV cameras.
Add A Comment