'BIG BROTHER' BACK IN MARGAO...
Closed-Circuit TV Surveillance cameras are back in Margao in and around the congested market area.
MARGAO
After going on a sleep mode for a decade now, "Big Brother" is finally back in Margao, quietly monitoring the movements of motorists and anti-social elements through a newly revived CCTV surveillance network.
Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras have been strategically installed across the city, beginning with the bustling market area — one of Margao’s busiest and most sensitive zones. Around 20-odd cameras are now operational at locations known for frequent traffic violations and vulnerability to criminal activity.
Although the system is already connected to the Traffic Police Control Room at the South Goa District Police Headquarters, authorities have not yet started issuing challans to violators. However, that is expected to change soon.
The Traffic Department is currently exploring the integration of these surveillance cameras with "Vahan", the national vehicle registry maintained by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. This would enable the automated and online generation of traffic challans.
South Goa DySP (Traffic), Rajendra Prabhudesai, confirmed that challans based on CCTV footage will soon be issued. “The 20-odd cameras have been installed at strategic locations in Margao city, especially covering the market area. All cameras are now linked to the Traffic Control Room at the district police headquarters,” he said.
He further added, “Before enforcement begins, we will conduct an awareness campaign to educate motorists. This initiative will go a long way in bringing about traffic discipline in the commercial capital.”
Beyond traffic enforcement, the CCTV system is also expected to aid Margao police in crime detection and deterrence, particularly in the crowded and often chaotic market area.
This initiative has been funded by the Home department, following an intervention by local MLA and PWD Minister Digambar Kamat, who took up the matter with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant. A second phase of CCTV installation is already in the pipeline.
Meanwhile, other areas of the city are also coming under surveillance. In Fatorda, roads like the Gogol–Chowgule College road are now under CCTV coverage, thanks to a separate initiative led by Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai, supported through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funding.
Interestingly, Margao’s first brush with CCTV surveillance dates back over a decade, when then South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha funded the project under the MPLAD scheme.
Unfortunately, that early effort fell into disrepair due to a lack of maintenance by the local civic body and district authorities.
With the new system now in place and plans for expansion underway, Margao seems poised for a much-needed digital upgrade in its law enforcement and traffic management infrastructure.
