Panchkula's Surveillance System in Disarray as 200 CCTV Cameras Go Dark
Panchkula is facing a significant security crisis, with 200 out of the total 473 CCTV cameras installed by the Panchkula Municipal Corporation becoming non-functional. This alarming situation has severely compromised the city's surveillance and safety infrastructure, prompting urgent action from authorities.
Police Flag Critical Security Lapse
Following a comprehensive survey, the Panchkula Traffic Police has formally raised the issue with the civic body, highlighting that over 40 percent of the surveillance cameras are currently inoperative. The police have explicitly requested the corporation to restore functionality, emphasizing that this falls within their jurisdiction and poses substantial safety risks for residents.
The timing of this failure is particularly concerning, as it coincides with the expiration last month of the tender for the agency responsible for the cameras' operation and maintenance. In response, the Municipal Corporation has floated a new one-year tender this month for the operation and maintenance of these cameras, with an estimated annual cost of nearly one crore rupees.
Municipal Commissioner Takes Stern Action
Taking a serious view of the deteriorating situation, newly appointed Municipal Commissioner Vinay Kumar has issued direct instructions to officials. He has directed them to ensure all non-functional cameras are repaired by the contractor whose contract recently ended, aiming to prevent any maintenance gaps during the transition between the two contracts.
"It is not plausible that so many cameras were operational in January when the contractor's term concluded, only to suddenly malfunction now," Commissioner Kumar told The Times of India. "I have issued clear directives to have all cameras fixed under that contract, with the contractor's final payment being released only after full functionality is restored."
Recurring Pattern of Neglect
This incident is not an isolated occurrence in Panchkula's history of CCTV management. Previously, widespread camera failures were attributed to stolen wires and cables, rendering the surveillance system ineffective. To address this, a private agency was allocated Rs 2.43 crore in 2024 for one-time replacement and repair work.
Following the installation, another company was engaged for annual maintenance at an estimated cost of Rs 89 lakh. While the cameras were temporarily restored, the current situation has regressed to an even worse state than before, with cameras installed in critical locations such as:
- Marketplaces
- Major roads and intersections
- Other key public areas
Critical Role in Crime Prevention
Police officials emphasize the indispensable role these cameras play in maintaining public safety. "These surveillance cameras are crucial for tracking accused individuals and monitoring activities," explained a police official. "They prove invaluable in investigating incidents like chain snatching, auto theft, burglaries, and other criminal activities. In numerous cases, we successfully trace suspects or their vehicles using this footage. Furthermore, their presence acts as a deterrent to potential offenders and enhances residents' sense of security."
The current breakdown represents a serious setback for Panchkula's crime prevention efforts and underscores systemic issues in the maintenance of essential security infrastructure.
