Karwar: CCTV cameras installed across towns in Uttar Kannada district, intended to monitor safety and traffic, are falling into disrepair, raising public concerns over security. The problem, which affects Karwar and surrounding areas, stems from poor maintenance and communication gaps between the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and the police.
These cameras, vital for gathering evidence during incidents like theft, accidents, and violence, have become ineffective due to neglect. In Karwar, 18 CCTV cameras installed by the municipal body are no longer functional, leaving only a few police-operated cameras for traffic control. Similarly, in Sirsi, over 30 cameras installed in 2015-16 by the municipality have deteriorated, and in Honnavar, 20 cameras installed after unrest following Paresh Mesta’s death have also fallen into disrepair.
Other towns like Ankola and Bhatkal are facing similar issues, with cameras remaining inactive for extended periods. In Bhatkal, an area labeled as highly sensitive, CCTV systems have been broken for more than three years, leaving police to rely on private camera footage for investigations. In Mundgod, despite over 20 cameras being installed by the municipality, maintenance remains a challenge, and police often depend on privately owned cameras for criminal investigations.
Officials have highlighted that lack of funding for camera upkeep is a significant issue, and police have written to local councils for support. Police sub-inspector I.R. Gaddekar mentioned that a proposal has been submitted to the Superintendent of Police’s office for additional traffic signals and CCTV installations at strategic locations in urban areas.
In some towns, residents have demanded new CCTV installations. In Yellapur, there is a call for cameras near public spaces, while Kumta’s municipal CCTV cameras are only partially functional. Dandeli’s tourist-heavy areas, like Somani Circle and Chennamma Junction, also suffer from broken CCTV systems.
The situation highlights a growing need for functional security infrastructure, with local authorities urged to prioritise the maintenance and expansion of the CCTV systems to ensure public safety and efficient law enforcement.
Read More: Krishnapura Village Gateway: A Symbol of Tradition and Unity
