Four years on, funds to repair CCTV cameras not released in Palampur

Ravinder Sood

Palampur August 28

Despite repeated requests, the state government has not released funds for the repair of CCTV cameras in the town, which are out of order since 2017.

Five years ago, CCTV cameras were installed in Palampur at a cost of lakhs of rupees. They functioned barely for a year after their installation. Information gathered by The Tribune reveals that these CCTV cameras were installed by the local Municipal Council keeping in view the deteriorating law and order and the rising number of accidents, besides to monitor the movement of miscreants and mafia. The cameras were installed at all entry and exit points of the town.

The company, which was given the contract, failed to provide the follow-up service after their installation. The Palampur Municipal Council has not initiated any action against the ‘erring’ firm. The cameras installed in front of Palampur police station, near the office of the State Bank of India at Subhash Chowk, Nehru Chowk, old and new bus stand, IPH road, PWD offices and near the mini secretariat are not working. Cables and CCTV units of several cameras are missing at many points.

The cameras are supposed to be attached with computers installed in the local police station, the offices of the SDM and the DSP and the traffic police to keep vigil on the movement of vehicles. However, these offices are not linked with the cameras. A senior police officer says that he has seen some cameras installed in the town, but they are neither connected with his office nor the local police station.

“If these cameras are made functional and are connected with the police station or his office, traffic movement can be monitored. This will also help in nabning suspected criminals. The cameras, if made operational, can help curb the crime in the area,” he says.