Noida Authority Announces CCTV Surveillance Plan for Sector 150 Following Tragic Accident
In response to a tragic incident where a car plunged into an unbarricaded trench, the Noida Authority has unveiled a comprehensive plan to install a CCTV network across Sector 150. This move comes two weeks after 27-year-old Yuvraj Mehta's vehicle fell into a 30-foot deep, unprotected trench while navigating a sharp right-angle turn near ATS Le Grandiose, highlighting severe safety and infrastructure deficiencies in the area.
Residents Voice Concerns Over Longstanding Safety Issues
Residents of Sector 150, which was originally conceived as a low-density sports city and now houses over 10,000 people across a dozen housing societies, have expressed frustration over persistent hazards. They report that large sections of the sector have remained excavated, poorly illuminated, and largely unmonitored for years. Critical safety measures such as barricades, reflectors, and warning signs near abandoned construction pits were notably absent, contributing to the recent accident.
Additionally, residents highlighted other risks including construction debris littering the roads, broken shoulders, and a lack of proper signage, all of which make driving in the area particularly challenging and dangerous. These issues have been exacerbated by the presence of numerous unfinished construction sites scattered throughout the residential zone.
CCTV Network to Enhance Monitoring and Deter Unsafe Behavior
Officials from the Noida Authority stated that the proposed CCTV network aims to address both monitoring gaps and safety concerns. A joint team comprising engineers and traffic officials will conduct a thorough assessment to map vulnerable stretches and identify the most hazardous zones within Sector 150. This evaluation will determine the optimal number of cameras required and their strategic placement to maximize surveillance and improve overall road safety.
Once installed, the cameras will be integrated into Noida's existing Integrated Smart Traffic Management System (ISTMS), which is already operational at 82 locations with over 1,000 zoom cameras. The ISTMS currently captures traffic violations for issuing e-challans and assists police in investigating accidents and crimes. With the new integration, roads in Sector 150 will be monitored in real-time from the central control room located in Sector 94.
Authorities emphasized that the CCTV network will serve a dual purpose: acting as a monitoring tool to oversee road conditions and as a deterrent against rash driving and unauthorized entry into construction zones. "The goal is to plug engineering and oversight gaps," an official remarked, underscoring the initiative's focus on preventive measures.
Immediate Safety Measures Implemented at Accident Site
In addition to the long-term surveillance plan, the Noida Authority has taken immediate steps to enhance safety at the accident site. Barricades have been erected to prevent vehicles from driving directly into the trench near the sharp turn. Reflective road studs, additional reflectors, and improved lighting have also been installed to increase visibility of the curve during nighttime, reducing the risk of similar incidents.
Broader Context: Addressing Accident-Prone Black Spots
This initiative is part of a larger citywide effort to improve road safety. A recent exercise identified 65 accident-prone black spots across Noida, with 15 designated for remediation by the Noida Authority and the remaining 50 to be addressed by developers. The focus on Sector 150 reflects a targeted approach to mitigating risks in areas with significant infrastructure gaps and ongoing construction activities.
The Noida Authority's response underscores a commitment to enhancing public safety through technological integration and immediate corrective actions, aiming to prevent future tragedies and ensure a safer environment for residents.
