VALPOI
Despite growing emphasis on CCTV surveillance as a tool for crime prevention and police investigations, Valpoi, the main commercial and administrative centre of Sattari taluka, continues to remain without a CCTV network. A proposal to install cameras in the city, initiated nearly a decade ago, is yet to receive approval, leaving residents concerned over the lack of this essential security facility.
The absence of surveillance cameras could hamper police investigations in cases of theft, assault, vandalism and other criminal activities, as officers would have no recorded footage to identify suspects or trace their movements. Citizens have therefore renewed their demand for a CCTV network covering key public locations.
Valpoi houses several government offices, schools, colleges, commercial establishments and other public facilities. Residents from across Sattari visit the town daily for official work and other purposes, while thousands of students travel there for education. The heavy movement of people and vehicles makes surveillance particularly important.
Ten-year-old proposal still pending
According to information available, nearly ten years ago, the Valpoi Municipal Council submitted a proposal to Shripad Naik, then North Goa MP and currently a Union Minister, for installing CCTV cameras in the city.
A survey was reportedly conducted to identify strategic locations, including major roads leading into Valpoi, crowded public spaces and religious institutions such as temples, mosques and churches. However, despite the survey, the proposal has failed to secure approval and has not progressed towards implementation.
Residents have also stressed the importance of installing cameras at the main entry and exit points of the city. Valpoi connects several rural areas of Sattari, and suspects involved in criminal incidents in neighbouring villages could pass through the town while travelling elsewhere. Surveillance footage could help police trace vehicles and identify suspicious movements, assisting investigations.
Beautification without
adequate security?
Crores of rupees have been spent over the years on Valpoi's development and beautification, including improvements to roads and public spaces. However, residents feel that public safety has not received adequate attention.
CCTV cameras can serve as a deterrent against theft, vandalism and other unlawful activities, apart from providing crucial evidence when incidents occur. The main market, bus stand, important road junctions and areas witnessing heavy vehicular movement are among the locations where cameras are considered necessary.
The safety of students is another concern. A large number of children and young people travel from surrounding villages to attend schools and colleges in Valpoi. Cameras near educational institutions and busy roads could help authorities monitor public spaces and establish the sequence of events if any untoward incident occurs.
Traders, shopkeepers, women and senior citizens would also benefit from improved surveillance, citizens point out. They have called for an integrated system with coordination between the municipal administration and the police department.
Rane urged to intervene
With the Valpoi Municipal Council currently functioning under an administrator in the absence of an elected municipal body, residents have urged the administration to revive the pending proposal, approach the government and secure the necessary funds.
They have particularly appealed to Health Minister and local MLA Vishwajit Rane to intervene and prioritise the installation of a modern CCTV surveillance system.
Citizens have stressed that alongside infrastructure development and beautification, ensuring public safety must also be a priority. They have called for the decade-old proposal to be taken forward without further delay, with cameras installed at the city's main entry and exit points, market areas, important junctions, religious places and educational institution surroundings.
