Malfunctioned CCTV cameras
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, May 24 2014 :
The closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras installed at several key locations in Imphal area for the purpose of surveillance and traffic regulation have malfunctioned due to the negligence of the State Government.
Several crores of rupees from the State's exchequer have been thrown away at installing these "malfunctioned" cameras at around 150 locations in Imphal area.
However, the authorities concerned are not able to take appropriate action against those erring officials.
The installation of CCTV cameras was taken up as part of police modernization project under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
These cameras meant for surveillance and traffic regulation in Imphal area have now been rendered useless with some of the components such batteries stolen from many places.
The CCTV cameras were installed by one Bangalore-based M/S Meltronics Systemtech.
It has been almost two years the company has handed over the CCTV system to Manipur Police Department.
But, the system could not be operated even for once all these years.
Many people have started to question the rationale for installing such "useless" cameras for a staggering amount.
But, the State Government has been saying that the CCTV system requires power 24X7 and so it is trying to install solar plates to make the system functional all throughout.
Above all, the installing company Meltronics Sysmtemtech was not given the annual maintenance contract and the personnel of Manipur Police were also not trained on how to operate the system.
These may be the reasons for malfunctioning of the multi-crore CCTV surveillance system in the State.
Meanwhile, a stocktaking committee of Manipur Police Department headed by DIG Range-I IK Muivah has been set up recently to study the causes for the failure of CCTV system and chalk out plans to restore the system.
The said committee has asked the experts of Meltronics Systemtech to come to the State to revive the "malfunctioned" CCTV surveillance and traffic regulation system.