Only 12 out of 21 CCTV cameras installed by the BBMP were fully operational; this resulted in incidents of thefts and threat to senior safety.
Residents of Doddanekundi allege that malfunctioning of CCTV cameras in the area has resulted in senior citizens being under threat. In 2019, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) had spent around Rs. 14 lakhs to install 21 CCTV cameras in Doddanekundi to monitor garbage clearance, senior citizen safety and chain snatching issues.
Mahesha, a resident of Doddanekundi said, “I’ve noticed a safety concern for seniors in my area. When my parents go for their evening walk, reckless youngsters on bikes pose a threat. Initially, CCTV cameras made them cautious, but once people realized the cameras weren’t functioning, they resumed dangerous driving. I’m worried for my parent’s safety.”
Another resident of Doddanekundi, Ritika said, “My neighbor had a chain-snatching incident outside her house a few months ago. She couldn’t see the number plate of the bike, but if CCTV cameras work well, it would help police to catch the thief.”
Indira Belde, founder of People’s Corp. (NGO) and member of Bengaluru NavaNirmana Party ( BNP) said, “I have written several emails to the Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka and BBMP on survey regarding un-operational CCTV cameras, which revealed that the inefficient CCTV cameras have significantly reduced the effectiveness of the surveillance system, jeopardizing the safety and security of residents.”
Belde and her team investigated CCTV cameras as part of their community development projects, building a database with precise camera locations, operation modes, and degrees of public exposure.
Belde’s team found that only 12 out of 21 CCTV cameras installed by the BBMP were fully operational, the rest of the cameras did not function.
Srikant K., Assistant Engineer at BBMP said, “I am aware of the issue with the CCTV cameras, and the BBMP is working on it. It is expected to be resolved by the end of November.”
Srikant added, “We are currently in contact with our service provider to help us with the camera maintenance of the CCTV cameras, we will further guide our staff for regular camera check up.”
Emphasizing the repercussions of malfunctioning CCTV cameras, Belde pointed out that she had observed several incidents, including chain snatching, thefts of two-wheelers, and threats to the safety and security of seniors.
Supriya Geddam, a member of the BNP, emphasized the need to fix these important safety devices. She pointed out that the BBMP has allocated crores of rupees in the past and in the previous budget for the installation and maintenance of CCTVs in different wards. She added, “BBMP should create a system for regular assessments of the CCTV systems’ performance and effectiveness.”
Ajay Sharma, Systems Engineer at Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee said, “It is crucial to repair all dysfunctional CCTV cameras and ensure their strategic placement for comprehensive surveillance. Implementing a routine maintenance schedule to promptly address any issues before they escalate is essential.”
He added, “The process of repairing a broken camera should be streamlined, and there should be improved coordination among various departments managing the CCTV system.”
Vikram Bhat, Architect and Urban Designer at Urbansynthesis said, “Since a hefty amount of money was allotted for the CCTVs, it is important that top notch quality CCTV with warranty is there along with proper Annual Maintenance Contracts (AMC).”
