CCTV cameras installed in Palampur non-functional

Ravinder Sood

Palampur January 21

Dozens of close-circuit television (CCTV) cameras installed in the town five years ago by spending lakhs of rupees have been non-functional for the past four years. These cameras had hardly functioned for a year. However, no efforts have been made either to replace or repair these CCTV cameras.

Information gathered by The Tribune revealed that these cameras were installed by the local municipal council keeping in view the deteriorating law and order situation in the town, rising number of accidents and to keep an eye on the movement of mafias.

‘Action being taken’

The matter came to my notice. Necessary action is being taken against the guilty as to why these cameras are non-functional despite spending a huge sum of money from the state exchequer. The cameras will be made functional soon. — Pankaj Sharma, Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Palampur

The other purpose of installing these at all entry and exit points of the city was to keep tabs on the traffic entering and exiting the city.

However, the cameras failed to serve the purpose as these became non-functional soon after their installation. The company, which was given the contract for their installation, failed to provide service. The Palampur Municipal Council failed to initiate action against the erring company.

A reality check made by The Tribune revealed that the cameras installed in front of the Palampur police station, near the State Bank of India, Subhash Chowk, Nehru Chowk, old bus stand, new bus stand, IPH road, PWD offices and near the mini secretariat were not working. Cables and CCTV units were also missing at many points.

These cameras were supposed to be attached to the computers installed at local police station, SDM office, DSP office and traffic police to keep a vigil on the movement of vehicles. However, these offices have not been linked to these cameras.

Amit Sharma, DSP, Palampur, admitted that the cameras were just in place in the town, hanging with electricity poles, but not connected to any local police station or office.

“If these cameras are made functional and attached to the police station, the police can keep an eye on every person and vehicle, besides helping in nabbing suspected fleeing criminals. They can go a long way in keeping a check on the crime,” the DSP asserted.

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