In a stunning revelation, DGP Indra Dev Shukla stated that over 50 per cent of the 350-odd CCTV cameras installed by the Goa government are non-functional. Surprisingly, of the few cameras working, he says there are either issues with data storage or footage has not been analysed and put to use. This only shows the shallowness of the State government’s repeated assurances of securing lives and offering security and it is baffling why a serious thought has not gone into establishing a strong CCTV surveillance network in the State given the spate of robberies and gruesome murders that rattle the State from time to time.
If we recall the latest incident that happened this Tuesday, a burglar was caught on camera breaking into the Khapreshwar temple at Sada-Vasco and offering prayers before decamping with cash from the donation box. The CCTV footage came in handy for the Mormugao police to proceed with the investigation. Police largely have been relying on private camera networks to source footage for investigation. They have consistently pleaded with common citizens and business establishments to ensure that at least one camera lens is directed towards the exterior accesses or local roads.
Ironically, the installation of CCTV cameras may not be an issue, but periodic maintenance and keeping them operational round-the-clock is. Take the case of Margao where the civic body went about repairing the 23-odd non-functional cameras installed at various locations of Margao. This was soon after the city was left shell-shocked with the daylight murder of Margao jeweller Swapnil in 2020. A year later, except for a lone camera, none of the others was functional, and nobody saw the urgency to get them serviced again. The lone camera that was functional had no data storage, and neither was there anyone monitoring the live feed. This is a classic example of CCTVs in Goa.
Authorities have been waking up to the need for camera surveillance only when we are hit by gruesome murders or burglaries. The Siddhi Naik case was another glaring example where police were banking on footage from commercial establishments along the way to Calangute beach to track her movements.
The DGP has stressed the need for installing, maintenance and monitoring CCTV systems for better surveillance. Goa being an international tourism destination with hordes of people descending into the State, we cannot afford to be lax and leave gaping holes in security. With technology fast evolving, Goa has to establish a sound and robust network on priority, at least in all cities. The government, till now, has only paid lip service to CCTV security and approved installations without going into the operational part. The culture of not drawing up a structured assessment plan on spending has to change. There can't be an 'install and forget' attitude. The State has spent huge sums on useless international ‘study’ junkets in the past, ignoring some serious issues like these that needed study. We must study how nations prioritize and address their security needs.
CCTV camera is not only a handy tool for police to solve a crime, but it also acts as a strong deterrent against anti-social and rogue elements that pose a threat to society and create a nuisance in an otherwise peaceful environment.
