Sambalpur: Frequent Budget Allocations, Yet No CCTV; Sambalpur Police Rely on Private Cameras for Surveillance
Sambalpur: Despite multiple budget allocations, the installation of CCTV cameras in Sambalpur remains incomplete. As a result, the police have come to rely heavily on CCTV cameras installed by private businesses and residents. This has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the city’s surveillance.
Rising Crime Under Limited Surveillance
Incidents such as street robberies and attacks are primarily recorded by privately installed CCTV cameras. Private cameras in every alley and corner of the city help police identify and apprehend criminals. However, the fact that these are non-governmental cameras raises concerns about the effectiveness of public surveillance infrastructure.
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Unfulfilled Promises
The district administration and the Sambalpur Municipal Corporation (SMC) had previously proposed installing CCTV cameras throughout the city. This proposal included the initial plan to install 350 CCTV cameras under the supervision of the then-SP. Although funds were approved for the project, it has yet to be implemented, forcing the police to rely on outside sources for video evidence.
Challenges in Implementation
According to Sadar SDPO, CCTV cameras are critical for combating crimes such as theft, robbery, and other illegal activities. Although approximately 40 CCTV cameras have been installed outside police stations, the force still relies on private cameras for broader surveillance, which is not a long-term solution.
Community Takes Initiative
In the absence of adequate government action, Ramgadpada residents in Budharaja have taken matters into their own hands. Locals have installed 12 CCTV cameras in their neighborhoods with their own funds. This initiative was motivated by growing concerns about rising criminal activity and substance abuse in the area. Residents collected money from each household to ensure their safety and set up cameras to monitor the area, particularly along the road leading to Budharaja Hill, which had become a hotspot for illegal activities.
