VASCO: For the last many years 52 CCTV cameras in the port town of Vasco have been non-functional.
It may be recalled that following last year’s bomb blast tragedy in Sri Lanka, the Goa Police had taken cognisance of such issues by intensifying the security at the beaches and had issued instructions to locals, hotels and other stakeholders involved in tourism. Sadly, the CCTV cameras which were installed at a few prime locations and junctions in the town have remained non-functional for many years.
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Herald visit to the vegetable market, fish market in the town found no CCTV cameras installed.
The above 52 CCTV cameras were installed from MPLAD funds on November 23, 2013 during Francisco Sardinha’s tenure as Member of Parliament (MP). CCTV cameras were installed at the main town roundabout, Varunapuri junction, Headland Sada junction, Mangor Hill junction, Joshi Square, F L Gomes Road and Baina area.
Vasco Traffic Cell sources informed that the CCTVs at various prime spots are needed as they help in detecting traffic violations, crimes and suspicious activities. But most CCTV cameras in the town are non-functional as there was no annual maintenance done since their installation. Sources further informed that to ensure these CCTV cameras function, the Traffic Cell had written to the concerned authority on September 13, 2017 to immediately repair the CCTV cameras. Some meetings were also held in the South Goa Collector’s office but in vain.
Stating that the CCTVs are not functioning, former MMC chief officer Agnelo Fernandes informed that he had sent a proposal to the Directorate of Municipal Administration last year for the additional funds for purchasing new CCTVs and for repairing the existing ones but MMC did not receive any reply from the DMA.
Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) Chairperson Nandadeep Raut said, “A few months ago I had sent a proposal of Rs 10 lakh to the Directorate of Municipal Administration (DMA) to carry out the repairs of these CCTV cameras. The DMA asked the MMC to resubmit the proposal for the maintenance cost of these CCTV cameras and assured me via phone that it would be approved soon”.
Meanwhile, MMC former chairperson and Councillor Deepak Naik informed that the CCTV cameras were installed under MPLAD scheme few years ago. The maintenance of these cameras was to be carried out by the Deputy Collector’s office. Naik said in letter he had asked the Deputy Collector to allow the MMC to maintain the CCTV cameras, but there was no reply.
When enquired on the issue of CCTV cameras, Mormugao Deputy Collector Sachin Desai said he will have to study the matter and check the files whether his office has received any correspondence related to CCTV cameras, until then he cannot comment.
Stressing the urgent need for CCTV cameras in the port town following the recent Swapnil Walke murder case, Rikesh Raikar, a Vasco-based jeweller said, “If a murder happens in daylight just at the busy junction, the culprits can escape easily. It is a must to have CCTV cameras functioning for detecting crimes in the town. Vasco is a port town where commercial activities take place. Many crimes and accidents also take place so we cannot expect people to come forward and be witnesses. Having a CCTV camera functioning, the footage could prove to be vital in such matters”.
Vasco businessman Sanket Lotlikar said, “Looking at the increasing crime rate, accidents in town area, CCTV cameras are important to keep surveillance. Unfortunately, since the past several years Vasco has remained undeveloped. What I had seen 20 years ago, nothing has changed.”
