HOW WILL SHAHPUR’S SECURITY BE ENSURED WITH NON-FUNCTIONAL CCTV CAMERAS?

HOW WILL SHAHPUR’S SECURITY BE ENSURED WITH NON-FUNCTIONAL CCTV CAMERAS?

24-SEP-ENG 10

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA---------------------------CCTV cameras have been installed at every busy and public place in the Shahpur Nagar Panchayat area to ensure surveillance and security. These cameras are considered the third eye of the law, crucial from a security perspective. However, it is extremely worrying that these cameras have been out of service for months. Whenever an incident occurs in Shahpur and the police need these cameras, they are often found to be out of service. Consequently, to identify criminals, the police must search for footage from CCTV cameras installed outside shops and sometimes from cameras installed outside homes. This process is not only time-consuming but also delays the identification of the culprits.

CCTV cameras are crucial to strengthening Shahpur's security system. These cameras not only help keep an eye on criminals and thieves but are also crucial for monitoring any untoward incidents. However, the CCTV cameras installed at intersections in the city have been out of service for months, which is a matter of concern.

It is being reported that the Shahpur Nagar Panchayat is responsible for operating these cameras. However, these cameras have been out of service since the maintenance package expired. Thankfully, due to the activeness of the local police, no untoward incident has occurred so far. However, keeping these CCTV cameras out of service is not a security concern. Whether this is due to the lack of Shahpur Nagar Panchayat officials or the relevant municipal employees, Madan Sah, the mechanic responsible for maintaining the cameras, stated that the Nagar Panchayat is not paying the outstanding dues. He stated that the cameras will remain out of service until the previous dues are paid. This situation not only poses a security threat but also raises questions about the functioning of the municipal administration.

The Navratri festival is currently underway. The monasteries and temples are crowded with worshippers. Pandals for Durga idols have been erected on the NH-84 main road (Carpenter's House), Banahi Road, near Kishore Medical, near the Vishwakarma Temple on Sarna Road, and in the main market, among other locations in the Shahpur Nagar Panchayat. Crowds gather near the pandals and on these roads during the Durga Puja fair.

After the puja, a procession is organized for the idol immersion, which is attended by a large number of people. This crowd may also include some anti-social elements, which poses a risk of a deteriorating atmosphere. Learning from previous incidents, if CCTV cameras are operational, the crowd can be monitored from the control room, preventing any untoward incident in time.

Meanwhile, former city council chairman Bijay Kumar Singh stated that the implementation and operation of CCTV cameras in Shahpur is not only the responsibility of the city administration, but is also essential for public safety. Proper operation of these cameras is crucial. Failure to activate them immediately will encourage criminals.

Social activist Vinay Mishra said that this important aspect of security cannot be ignored. The city administration should prioritize this issue and ensure that CCTV cameras are always operational. This will not only prevent crime but also increase the sense of security among local residents.

Respected farmer of the district, Mr. Umeshchandra Pandey, said that the condition of CCTV cameras in Shahpur should be improved as soon as possible so that all citizens can feel safe and any criminal activities can be prevented. The Nagar Panchayat should resolve this matter as soon as possible and activate the CCTV cameras to strengthen the security system in Shahpur.