Team Herald
PONDA: Panic and confusion have spread among locals in Shapur, Ponda, following the sudden appearance of two CCTV cameras at the Safa Masjid junction on the National Highway, installed by unidentified individuals. The residents have expressed security concerns and are worried that they may be slapped with hefty traffic challans.
The locals fear unauthorised access or usage for traffic surveillance, given the junction’s closure due to road widening. Concerned residents, along with former sarpanch Rajesh Naik, gathered at the site, calling for a probe into the matter.
“Nobody knows who installed them. I made inquiries with several local authorities, including the police, panchayat, traffic, and transport departments, but no official body has taken responsibility for installing the cameras. There is genuine concern among residents that these cameras could be used for issuing traffic challans, adding a financial burden on locals already facing hardship,” he said.
Residents explained that since the four-lane widening project, the Safa Masjid junction has been closed to regular traffic, with a prohibitory sign banning U-turns. However, without an underpass—which was not constructed due to Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) restrictions—residents are forced to travel an additional two km to GVM Circle to make a U-turn. Consequently, many locals have been taking the illegal U-turn at the junction for the past five years.
An underpass is currently under construction near the KTC Bus Stand junction, expected to complete in the coming months, which locals hope will ease their travel. Until then, they are appealing for leniency and assurance that they won’t be penalised by any authority for taking the U-turn at the Safa Masjid junction.
Naik pointed out that, according to government norms, any CCTV installation by a government agency should include proper signage. He urged the police to investigate the camera installation to prevent potential misuse and reassure residents.