Members of Together For Mapusa (TFM) hand over a memorandum to Bardez SDM Anant Malik on Friday, seeking urgent intervention and a comprehensive public safety plan for Mapusa.
THE GOAN NETWORK
MAPUSA
Seeking urgent intervention to address growing public safety concerns in Mapusa, civic group Together For Mapusa has approached the Bardez Deputy Collector and Sub-Divisional Magistrate, demanding a comprehensive security plan, AI-enabled CCTV surveillance and action against unsafe buildings and illegal activities in public spaces.
The memorandum, submitted on November 13, comes two days after the group made a similar representation to the Mapusa Municipal Council, highlighting what it describes as the administration's failure to address recurring safety concerns in the town.
The group cited the recent alleged sexual assault of a four-year-old girl, besides a series of burglaries, daylight robberies, the murder of a goldsmith and a burglary at a doctor's residence, to underline the need for stronger preventive measures.
It also flagged complaints about alleged prostitution activities in public spaces and warned that abandoned and dilapidated buildings could become vulnerable spots for trespassing and anti-social activities.
Among its key demands is the immediate installation of AI-enabled CCTV cameras at schools, colleges, market areas, bus stands, parking lots, public toilets, bank premises and vulnerable junctions, with the surveillance network integrated with Mapusa police station.
The group has also sought a safety audit of abandoned buildings, improved street lighting and intensified mobile and foot patrolling in sensitive areas.
Calling for coordinated action, Together For Mapusa has urged the SDM to convene an urgent meeting involving police, the municipal council, district administration and other departments to identify crime-prone locations and prepare a time-bound city safety plan.
It has sought a written response from the administration, warning that public safety cannot remain confined to official assurances and reactive measures after crimes occur.
