Install CCTV cameras on roads using councillors’ fund: Sena

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Improvements Committee Chairman and Shiv Sena corporator Anant Bala Nar demanded more CCTV cameras should be installed in the city to increase the surveillance at local level.

Bala Nar in his demand to the civic Commissioner, Ajoy Mehta, stated that the cameras should be purchased from councillors fund.

However, Mehta rejected the proposal stating that state government has already placed around 6,000 CCTV cameras in the city. Therefore, it would be improper to utilise councillors fund on CCTV installation and the responsibility is with the state.

Nar remarked, “The state government had installed cameras on important roads only, especially on highways. CCTV cameras in small and narrow lanes of the city, market area are also needed. It will help to catch hold of people easily, who does wrong. Hence, I have again sent the proposal to the administration for reconsideration.”

Councillors get Rs. 60 lakh as fund every year from municipal corporation which they are bound to use only for roads repairing at ward level, maintenance of elected ward, repair and maintenance of public toilets. Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act (MMC) does not allow the funds utilisation on CCTV cameras.

Mumbai has around 2,000 km of roads, of which more than 1,900 kms of road repairing work is maintained by the BMC which includes busy narrow lanes.

BMC commissioner, however, rejected the proposal stating that state govt has already placed around 6,000 CCTV cameras in the city. Therefore, it would be improper to utilise councillors fund on CCTV installation and the responsibility is with the state