40% CCTV cameras develop glitch, Panchkula’s security takes a hit

Panchkula: Security and surveillance in Panchkula has gone for a toss, as 200 out of the total 473 CCTV cameras installed by the Panchkula municipal corporation have gone non-functional.After conducting a survey in this regard, the Panchkula traffic police has now flagged the issue with the civic body of over 40 per cent of the cameras not being in operation. The police asked the corporation to make them functional, as it is in their jurisdiction and raises major safety concerns.
This is despite the fact that the cameras were under the operation and maintenance of an agency whose tender expired last month. The MC this month floated the tender for one year for the operation and maintenance of these cameras for nearly Rs one crore a year.Taking a serious view of the issue, new MC Commissioner Vinay Kumar issued directions to officials to get all those cameras functional from the contractor whose contract just ended. It will ensure there is no gap in maintenance during the intervening period between the 2 contracts."It is not possible that so many of these cameras were working in January when he exited and now they suddenly stopped working. I passed directions to get all those fixed under that contract and release his final payment only after the cameras are working," the MC chief told TOI.This is not the first time that the CCTVs' operation was taken lightly in the city and a large number of them stopped working. Previously, it was found that wires or cables of the cameras were stolen and they stopped working.Following this, the cameras' one-time replacement and repair work was allotted to a private agency for Rs 2.43 crore in 2024. After installation, a company was engaged for their annual maintenance for an estimated Rs 89 lakh. They were then repaired, but now the situation is back to square one and even worse. The cameras were installed in marketplaces, vital roads, and other key places.The police said the cameras are of utmost importance for tracking accused persons and monitoring. "They really come in handy to check chain snatching, auto lifting, theft, and other crimes. We trace the accused or their vehicles through these in many cases. It also instills fear in the minds of miscreants and brings confidence among the residents," said a police official.Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Valentine's day wishes, messages and gift idea !