Ahmedabad's Municipal Gardens Face Major CCTV Security Lapses
During a recent meeting of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation's Heritage and Recreational Committee, alarming data was presented regarding the state of surveillance infrastructure in the city's public gardens. The committee revealed that a staggering 44% of CCTV cameras installed across 122 municipal gardens are currently non-functional, raising serious concerns about public safety and security oversight.
Operational Statistics Paint a Troubling Picture
Out of a total of 458 cameras deployed across these recreational spaces, only 257 are operational, according to official figures presented during the Saturday meeting. Sources within the committee indicated that an additional 48 cameras are reportedly under maintenance, though the timeline for their restoration remains unclear. This leaves a significant portion of the surveillance network effectively blind to potential security threats.
Recent Incident Highlights Security Vulnerabilities
The urgency of this situation was tragically underscored by an incident on May 24, 2025, when a 4-and-a-half-year-old girl was abducted while playing in Navrangpura Law Garden. During the subsequent investigation, authorities discovered that although the garden is equipped with eight CCTV cameras, none were operational at the time of the incident. This revelation has sparked widespread concern among residents and officials alike.
Widespread Complaints and Political Pressure
Complaints about non-functional CCTV cameras in AMC-managed gardens have been widespread and persistent. Even BJP corporators have repeatedly raised concerns about the deteriorating surveillance infrastructure, yet the municipal corporation has reportedly not undertaken any substantial maintenance work to address these issues. The lack of action despite repeated complaints suggests systemic failures in maintenance protocols and accountability mechanisms.
The Ambitious Safe and Secure Ahmedabad Initiative
This security gap becomes particularly concerning when viewed against the backdrop of the ambitious Safe and Secure Ahmedabad (SASA) initiative. Sources indicate that the Ahmedabad Smart City Company, which operates under AMC management, had planned to establish comprehensive security infrastructure across the city. This included the installation of 6,500 CCTV cameras along with a centralized command-and-control center.
The Rs 239 crore plan was conceived approximately nine years ago, yet the current state of surveillance in municipal gardens suggests significant implementation challenges. The contrast between the ambitious vision of a fully monitored, secure city and the reality of widespread camera failures in public spaces highlights gaps between planning and execution.
Implications for Public Safety and Urban Governance
The situation raises critical questions about:
- Public safety in recreational spaces frequented by families and children
- Maintenance protocols for critical urban infrastructure
- Accountability mechanisms within municipal governance structures
- Implementation gaps in smart city initiatives
As Ahmedabad continues to develop as a major urban center, the functionality of basic security infrastructure like CCTV cameras becomes increasingly vital for crime prevention, investigation, and overall public confidence in urban safety measures.
