Nagpur: Abha Pande, a former Independent Corporator and current member of the Nationalist Congress Party (Ajit Pawar), has raised serious allegations regarding the functionality of cameras installed under Nagpur’s Smart City project. Pande claims that approximately 1,500 cameras across the city, including 260 in east Nagpur, are non-functional.
According to Pande, the cameras in east Nagpur have reportedly been non-functional for the past one to three years. Despite the non-functional status of these cameras, Smart City continues to pay the firm responsible for their maintenance Rs 1.69 crore per month. According to regulations, the cameras should not remain non-functional for more than four hours. Pande highlighted that the firm responsible is avoiding hefty penalties by attributing the non-functional cameras to ongoing works by NHAI, OCW, or PWD damaging its fibre cables.
In a memorandum submitted to Anchal Goyal, the Officiating Chief Executive Officer of Smart City, Pande demanded an investigation into the matter. Goyal has assured that the issue will be looked into, as reported by the media. Pande pointed out that only 30% of the cameras are currently operational. Despite this, Smart City has already paid the firm Rs 500 crore.
Pande has called for strict action against the firm responsible for the cameras. She emphasized the importance of making all cameras operational to ensure public safety.
The allegations raised by Abha Pande highlight significant issues in the implementation and maintenance of the Smart City project in Nagpur. With a substantial amount of public funds already spent and a majority of cameras non-functional, it is imperative that an investigation is conducted promptly to address these concerns and ensure the safety and security of the city’s residents.
