Non-renewal of contract hits CCTV functioning at Raikot

Most of the wireless CCTV cameras, installed as a part of the Safe City Project and the police administration’s endeavour to enhance surveillance in the city, have been lying no-functional due to the non-renewal of contract given to a private company for their operation, maintenance and repair.

Anti-social elements, for whom the project was a deterrent, on the contrary have removed or damaged some of the cameras installed at strategic locations.

Acknowledging observations of The Tribune, the city police claimed that the civic body had been asked to get the entire system updated so that illegal activities of anti-social elements were noticed from the central control room established at the police station.

The administration had installed CCTV cameras, including wireless units, under various security and public service schemes during the past couple of years.

Following installation of 31 CCTVs at a cost of Rs 12 lakh by the then MP Amar Singh Boparai under the MPLAD scheme, the Ludhiana (rural) police had established a central control room at the City Police Station, Raikot. Following which, the city used to be under direct surveillance of senior functionaries at the District Police Office, Jagraon, led by SSP Ankur Gupta.

Efficacy of the CCTVs and wireless devices started deteriorating due to the non-renewal of the annual contract for operation, maintenance and repair of the surveillance system and anti-social elements allegedly went to the extent of damaging CCTV cameras at several strategic locations.

The local police said that this had affected public safety, traffic management and security of educational institutes.

SHO (City) Amarjit Singh claimed that the administration had been told to get the entire system updated and CCTVs repaired as there was no provision for repair and maintenance of the system by the Police Department.

Executive Officer at the MC Charanjit Singh said the authorities concerned had been asked to get the needful done as soon as possible.