PONDA: There is a growing sense of insecurity among residents of Ponda, in the aftermath of a fatal accident in Banastarim. In the wake of this incident, residents demanded that the highway and strategic locations in the taluka be kept under CCTV surveillance to combat crimes and instill fear among those violating the law.
The sentiment within Ponda is that law enforcement agencies cannot be present everywhere to prevent crimes and accidents at all times. Therefore, the demand for CCTV surveillance at strategic locations such as highways, bridges, and key intersections within villages has gained traction.
Sandeep Parkar from Khandepar emphasised that rising instances of reckless driving, chain snatching and other criminal activities necessitate urgent action. He stressed the need for comprehensive CCTV coverage, citing the recent Banastarim accident as an unfortunate example of the lack of evidence due to the absence of cameras. Parkar disclosed that this issue had been discussed in a recent Curti Khandepar gram sabha.
Echoing the sentiment, Viraj Sapre expressed a decade-long plea for permanent CCTV installations along highways, within villages, and across the city. He acknowledged the impossibility of round-the-clock police vigilance and asserted that high-definition CCTV cameras could provide crucial information following incidents, aiding in crime detection. Sapre highlighted instances of chain snatching and bike thefts in the city, underscoring the necessity for functional CCTV systems. He also emphasized the requirement for consistent maintenance.
Vishal Fadte emphasized the significance of CCTV coverage not only in busy areas but also in secluded spots prone to criminal activities.