Most of CCTVs are defunct in Hubballi-Dharwad
HDMC sources said that 371 bullet cameras and 20 PTZ cameras were installed at various locations, including interior roads, in 2022. “Each of the 15 police stations has around 100 to 150 CCTV cameras installed under the Public Safety Act within its jurisdiction. This takes the total to around 1,600 cameras. Overall, 70% to 80% of these cameras are functional,” he said.
They allege that due to the negligence of the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) and police, CCTV cameras are either non-functional or absent in several parts of the city. “We are often told that footage was not recorded due to technical glitches, that the cameras are under repair, or that funds for maintenance have not been sanctioned by the govt. As a result, we are forced to rely on footage from cameras installed by commercial establishments, apartment complexes, residences and shops,” they said on condition of anonymity. Because of flyover construction work, contacted for a response, CR Raveesh, DCP (crime and traffic), said that 249 CCTV cameras have been installed on major roads, though some have not been functioning as the traffic management centre is being shifted.
However, when asked about their current status, officials said they did not have updated information. Stay updated with the latest Hubballi news.
Er Suresh Kiresur, chairman of the Indian Concrete Institute, Hubballi-Dharwad Centre, told TOI that CCTV cameras installed in Bhavani Nagar, where Union minister Pralhad Joshi resides, have been non-functional since Feb. When we approached the HDMC commissioner, he told us that they had been installed by the police department. Police, in turn, said they were installed under the Smart City project. One can imagine the situation elsewhere in the city when CCTV cameras installed near the residence of a national-level politician are not working,” he said. Several investigating officers in the Hubballi-Dharwad police commissionerate said that most CCTV cameras installed by the department are defunct and have rarely aided investigations. Sources said no CCTV camera installed by any govt agency captured either the murder or the movements of the victim and the accused.
Most of CCTVs are defunct in Hubballi-Dharwad Most of CCTVs are defunct in Hubballi-Dharwad Most of CCTVs are defunct in Hubballi-Dharwad Most of CCTVs are defunct in Hubballi-Dharwad Most of CCTVs are defunct in Hubballi-Dharwad Most of CCTVs are defunct in Hubballi-Dharwad Most of CCTVs are defunct in Hubballi-Dharwad Most of CCTVs are defunct in Hubballi-Dharwad Hubballi: Friday’s broad daylight murder has sent shockwaves through the city, with several videos of the incident circulating on social media. However, citizens are questioning whether investigators would have had any leads if the crime had occurred in darkness. Even where cameras have been installed, many are reportedly defunct. Residents blame the alleged apathy of elected representatives, civic officials and the departments concerned. “These cameras were installed a year ago but functioned only for three to four months. Police relied largely on mobile phone recordings in connection with Friday’s murder. Sources in the CCTV industry claimed that reputed suppliers are no longer participating in tenders floated for CCTV installations in Hubballi. “When Labhu Ram was commissioner, he had tightened tender norms and ensured the participation of quality service providers. However, his transfer led to the dilution of those norms,” they alleged. In addition, we have nine CCTV cameras at key junctions. However, HDMC commissioner Rudresh Ghali and HDMC IT executive engineer Shajia Peerzade were unavailable for comment. Download the TOI App.
