MARGAO: In a serendipitous turn of events, a miscreant was caught red-handed on CCTV footage, discarding a garbage bag into the River Sal just before the inauguration of a comprehensive CCTV surveillance system to monitor the stretch between Chinchinim Palmar Grande junction and
Sucaldem and Assolna Bridge area.
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The initiative for commissioning the CCTV surveillance project was undertaken by the Chinchinim-Deussua panchayat, funded through the MPLAD scheme. The official
inauguration is scheduled for Friday.
The extensive surveillance network is set to cover the entire 2 km-stretch, providing oversight of various activities and incidents, including issues like chain snatching, illegal dumping of construction materials, encroachments in low-lying areas, hit-and-run cases, sand mining, and the unlawful discharge of waste or toxic substances into nullahs and the River Sal. The system helped nab its first offender even before the launch, capturing footage of a man flinging garbage out of his car, off the bridge.
Frank Viegas, a local panch member, emphasised the importance of CCTV surveillance, particularly since the area is isolated, with abundant natural resources. He mentioned that the project will also safeguard farmers involved in fish farming and help prevent suicide attempts from the bridge.
Sarpanch Valentinho Barretto said that the surveillance system will significantly enhance security measures in the region. The surveillance network is expected to address issues caused by late-night garbage dumping, which has been a persistent nuisance and a major concern for the local community.
