Months after the non-functional close circuit television cameras (CCTVs) were withdrawn from the busy streets in Panjim, the authorities are gearing up to make its comeback. Security augmentation is one of the main reasons
However, the Panjimites will have to wait a little longer as the project is reportedly not tendered after it initially proved a failure in the subsequent stage.
Panjim was the first city to come under electronic surveillance over four years ago with busy junctions covered under CCTV surveillance. According to the Traffic Department, the project was awarded to a private company after the City Corporation gave it a nod.
“As a pilot project, at least 13 CCTVs were installed at around 28 important locations, including junctions. These were monitored from the office of Traffic headquarters by the DySP North. We booked lots of cases of traffic violations,” an officer said. The other cities like Margao and Vasco were thereafter roped in.
Subsequently, one of the CCTVs installed near Rajdhani hotel could not be operated after the electrical pole corroded while the remaining CCTVs eventually stopped functioning. Deputy Superintendant of Police, Traffic Dharmesh Angle confirmed stating the CCTVs were later removed. Nevertheless, he added, a fresh proposal covers various places including the locations identified in the previous project. “We have identified the areas where the CCTVs as well as traffic signals would be installed, under the Smart City Plan. We are working in coordination with the Corporation of City of Panaji,” he added further mentioning, “All these places would be covered under the CCTVs from different perspectives – traffic and security.”
The Goa government since its previous tenure had been working at implementing the State Surveillance Project to clamp down on traffic violators as well as ensure safety at tourist places. As per the number of challans issued to violators, Panjim is the second highest after Margao in terms of traffic violations. Meanwhile, PI Brendon D’Souza told Herald that three places near GMC at Bambolim, St Cruz junction and the St Inez junction have been identified to install traffic signals. The signal at St Cruz is already installed, he stated.
Meanwhile, the first speed radar installed at Miramar on pilot basis has also been removed.
The radar that monitored the speed of every road users detected hundreds of violations. The traffic department has proposed 14 speed radar guns to be installed at different places in the State.
