CCTV cameras non-functional, crime cases rise in Palampur

There has been a steep rise in thefts and other crimes in Palampur and its satellite areas but no steps have been taken to repair or replace more than 15 CCTV cameras installed in the city. The state government had spent over Rs 20 lakh on the installation of these cameras, all of which have been out of order since 2017.

With theft cases increasing, residents, NGOs and social organisations have renewed their demand for immediate repair or installation of new CCTV cameras to help police trace suspects. In several criminal incidents, police have remained clueless due to the complete lack of CCTV footage. A chemist shop, targeted twice by thieves, remains one such unresolved case. The Tribune had previously highlighted the issue, but no action followed.

The CCTV network was originally meant to be linked to computers at the local police station, the DSP office and the traffic police to monitor anti-social elements and vehicle movement. However, none of these offices ever established the necessary connections.

Police officials confirmed that although cameras existed at various locations, none of them was connected to their systems. An SDM office representative also admitted that their office was not linked to the installed cameras.

Local MLA Ashish Butail said he had taken up the matter with the state government, but no funds have been released so far. He has also sought installation of an Electronic Traffic Management System (ETMS) equipped with high-resolution CCTV cameras to monitor anti-social activity and check traffic violations. He added that traffic volume in the town had increased manifold, making such a system essential. The proposal was still pending with the state police’s top brass.

Earlier, the then Municipal Council (now Municipal Corporation) had installed the CCTV cameras to tackle deteriorating law and order, rising accidents and the movement of miscreants and mafia in the town. However, the cameras functioned barely for a year.

A senior MC officer said the matter had come to his notice and would be looked into. A senior police officer added that restoring the cameras and connecting them to the police network would greatly help monitor traffic and catch suspects, thereby curbing crime in the region.