A Smart City without CCTV! Rampant crimes in Odisha's Rourkela brew resentment

Increased crime rates have plagued Odisha’s Rourkela in recent months, with a worrying rise in incidents such as shootings and murders. 

This escalation in criminal activities has set alarm bells ringing across the community, as the city's CCTV cameras, installed at various places to help monitor and deter crime, have been largely inoperative.

Surveillance Shortcomings

As per sources, the administration has made a substantial investment of Rs 10 crore in over 350 CCTV cameras, intended to bolster citywide surveillance. However, the system’s persistent technical difficulties have rendered it ineffective. 

This technical failure has left law enforcement agencies at a disadvantage as they are unable to track or apprehend perpetrators who frequently evade capture by fleeing beyond state borders.

Public Outcry and Political Promises

Frustration is mounting among residents in Rourkela, who feel increasingly vulnerable due to the inadequate monitoring and enforcement measures.

"Most of the CCTV cameras installed at various places in Rourkela are not functioning properly. As a result, the movement of the criminals is not getting tracked properly and they are often evading capture by fleeing beyond state borders," rued Bishra Oram, a resident of Rourkela.

Assurance Given Again

In response, the local administration has reassured the public by stating that the government is taking this issue seriously, and steps are underway to fix the faults promptly. Efforts by both government bodies and the police to rectify the situation are reportedly underway.

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"The CCTV cameras installed at various places during the tenure of the previous government are not functioning properly. The current administration is now trying to fix the issue as soon as possible," said Raghunathpalli MLA Durga Charan Tanti.

Concerns Over Priorities

The swift completion of the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in just 15 months by the then BJD government stands in stark contrast to the unresolved issues with the CCTV infrastructure, prompting debate over resource allocation and governance priorities. 

"We have taken stock of the status of the CCTV cameras installed at various places in Rourkela. Efforts are being made to fix the defunct cameras soon," said DGP YB Khurania.