Pune’s civic surveillance infrastructure is receiving a much-needed overhaul as the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has completed the repair of the majority of its dysfunctional CCTV cameras covering major areas such as Tilak Road, Bajirao Road, Laxmi Road, and key locations including Swargate, Shivajinagar, and Deccan Gymkhana. The repair initiative, which began three months ago, has been essential in restoring the city’s monitoring system, which had been compromised due to wear and tear, poor maintenance, and damaged cables.
According to PMC officials, the work encountered some delays during festivals like Ganeshotsav and Navaratra, as the erection of pandals and arches temporarily hindered access to specific areas. Nevertheless, with about 1,500 cameras needing attention, the authorities have prioritised replacing the faulty ones and conducting maintenance checks to ensure smooth surveillance across the city. Some roadwork, including cable replacements, is still pending in certain regions, but is expected to be completed shortly.
The issue of dysfunctional cameras came to light following complaints from several police stations, which were struggling to monitor areas under their jurisdiction due to the non-functional cameras. These cameras, vital for maintaining law and order, had been neglected over time, and their malfunctioning had raised concerns. The PMC, in collaboration with the police department, is now focusing on the long-term sustainability of the city’s CCTV infrastructure. Regular upkeep and proactive maintenance have been planned to ensure continuous functionality, providing both safety and accountability.
Beyond city surveillance, there is growing concern from residents and business owners about the effectiveness of these cameras, especially during the night. Anuj Gare, a resident of Deccan Gymkhana, highlighted the rising number of illegal activities taking place after dark, suggesting that cameras with night vision capabilities could make a significant difference. Retailers are also being urged to invest in surveillance for their own safety, with shopkeepers taking steps to install cameras and cooperate with the police to provide valuable footage for investigations. This collective effort underscores the need for an integrated approach to urban security, ensuring that both the public and private sectors contribute to a safer and more sustainable environment.
