CCTV Network Failure Highlights Urban Safety Gaps in Ahmedabad
A Worrying Trend of CCTV Failures in Ahmedabad
Despite ambitious projects like Smart City and the Nirbhaya initiative, aimed at improving safety and surveillance in Ahmedabad, a large portion of the city’s CCTV cameras are failing to deliver. According to official police records, out of the 3,908 cameras installed under various initiatives, nearly 1,711 are either non-functional or beyond repair. This amounts to an alarming 43.78% failure rate of the entire surveillance network, undermining the purpose of these projects. The failure of such a high percentage of cameras is raising serious questions about the city’s ability to maintain law and order, as well as ensure safety and security for its residents.
The breakdown of the malfunctioning systems is equally concerning. Under the City Surveillance and Intelligent Traffic Monitoring System (CSITMS), 93 out of 226 Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) cameras are not working, alongside 6 of the 28 Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras. The Nirbhaya initiative, focused on protecting women and children, has seen a failure rate of around 50%. Of the 337 Bullet cameras installed, 134 are out of order, and many PTZ and fixed cameras also suffer from similar issues. Additionally, under the Smart City project, 1,316 of the 2,842 cameras have stopped working, including a significant number of traffic and ANPR cameras.
Police Struggle to Maintain Law and Order Amid Camera Failures
The non-functioning CCTV cameras are not only a technical issue but also a civic and security concern. Law enforcement officials have voiced their frustration at the situation, highlighting how crucial these cameras are for maintaining public safety, enforcing traffic norms, and investigating crimes. A senior police official revealed that despite repeated requests to the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) to address the problem, little has been done. The failure of these cameras impacts not just crime detection but also the public’s trust in urban safety measures.
Efforts to repair the cameras have been hindered by a lack of responsiveness from the authorities. The police have been working tirelessly with the Home department, but the delayed repairs or replacements of these crucial devices have raised doubts about the efficiency and transparency of urban development projects. As a result, both the police and the public are left vulnerable to increased safety risks, from crimes going undetected to traffic violations going unpunished.
A Call for Civic Responsibility and Accountability
The state of Ahmedabad’s CCTV network presents a larger issue of accountability in urban governance. As cities continue to grow, there is an increasing demand for sustainable, reliable infrastructure that not only meets the needs of citizens but also addresses emerging challenges like crime and traffic violations. The widespread malfunctioning of CCTV cameras suggests a lack of foresight in planning and maintenance, which is a key factor in the failure of many urban development projects.
From a sustainability perspective, it is important that investments in urban technology, such as CCTV surveillance systems, are made with durability and future-proofing in mind. A significant portion of Ahmedabad’s surveillance infrastructure is not living up to its expected lifespan, indicating that such technologies need to be designed for long-term viability. More focus should be placed on regular maintenance schedules and transparent communication between government bodies and law enforcement agencies to ensure the smooth functioning of these systems. Moreover, sustainable urban development should also consider the environmental impact of these technologies, with efforts to reduce energy consumption and minimise waste.
Reimagining Smart City Projects for a Safer Tomorrow
The growing number of CCTV failures also speaks to a larger challenge faced by the Smart City initiatives across India: the lack of ongoing support and maintenance of the technology once it is installed. While these projects are often lauded for their potential to improve urban life, the continued failures in Ahmedabad’s surveillance network underscore the need for better planning and management. The vision behind Smart Cities is to create an ecosystem of modern, connected infrastructure that serves the public well, but without proper maintenance, these systems become more of a liability than an asset.
To ensure a safer and more sustainable future for urban residents, the AMC must prioritise repairs and upgrades, ensuring that the CCTV network is fully operational. Accountability, both from the authorities and the private companies involved in these projects, will be crucial in making Ahmedabad’s Smart City vision a reality. In turn, this will create a city where safety is not just an aspiration but a guarantee for all its residents.
