Mapusa: In the wake of the recent kidnapping attempt at a Mapusa school, citizens have raised concerns over the non-functioning of CCTV cameras within the jurisdiction of the Mapusa Municipal Council.

The municipality had installed 18 cameras in and around the Mapusa market and other locations five years ago, but most of them have not been working for nearly two years now. While some of the cameras were removed to be repaired or serviced, they were never re-installed.

Former president of Mapusa Merchants Association, Ashish Shirodkar pointed out that surveillance technology coupled with AI is now capable of much more than just recording footage. “CCTV surveillance is a must, and the software can now detect and track individual faces now. This will be a boon to fight and solve crimes, and the authorities should upgrade their infrastructure to make use of such tech,” said Shirodkar.

Installed at various points like Gandhi Chowk, Kadamba Bus Stand, outside Braganza Hotel, and around the market area among other places, the cameras’ footage was supposed to be monitored from a control room at the Mapusa police station.

In September 2021, after a new council took charge, the Mapusa municipality decided to implement a comprehensive surveillance system with 14 high-resolution cameras at existing locations, using grants from the 15th Finance Commission. The MMC had sent a proposal with an estimate of Rs 25 lakh, which is still in process.

A resident of Mapusa and social worker Shekhar Naik said, “The 18 CCTV cameras in Mapusa have not been working for two years. During emergencies, the police have to depend on private cameras installed by shops and hotels, which are not always reliable.”

When contacted, Mapusa Traffic PI Tushar Lotlikar said, “We have written to the Mapusa Municipality with regards to the installation of CCTVs in different parts of Mapusa but haven’t received any response yet.”