NMC mulls installation of CCTV cameras at crematoriums

 

 

Crematoriums are often forsaken places, and especially, in night, they become hot bed of unwanted activity. After getting swarm of complaints about loiterers using the ghats for illegal activities at times, Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) is contemplating leveraging the technology for securing these sites. In this light, the civic officials are eyeing to affix CCTVs at two ghats on experimental basis as they are keen to maintain the sanctity of these sites. NMC has shortlisted Mankapur and Nara Dahan Ghat (crematoriums) where they plan to roll out CCTV network so as to keep away unwanted elements from public places.

 

For the same, high resolution night camera equipped with IP application are being planned for installation so as to cover the entire premises. While the project is of Solid Waste Department unit, the Information Technology (IT) Cell is entrusted responsibility for rolling out the project. Swapnil Lokhande, Deputy Commissioner, IT Department, NMC, said the main aim is to ensure that crematorium do not become place of nuisance. The civic body is taking extra efforts to spruce up and beautify the ghats so that people visiting them can find solace. Often, the air at these sites is grim as people are distraught at loss of near and dear ones. So, there are plans to set up garden and also, NMC is keen on rolling out electric crematoriums. As such, securing such installations is foremost in the minds of planners and hence, the decision to secure and tighten security at the ghats, he explained.

 

The Solid Waste Management unit of civic body has called for bringing the ghats under CCTV network, so that round the clock watch can be maintained at these spots. Kamlesh Zanzad, Head, Citizen Facilitation Centre (CFC), NMC, said right now the proposal is at nascent stage and once SWM makes budgetary allotment from its allocation for the current financial year, they would process the work further. Primary work as to survey of the two ghats is completed to identify the points where the cameras needs to be affixed. It is well-known fact that towards the night, the crematoriums become deserted. So many a times, drug addicts and petty criminals tend to converge here and indulge in undesirable activities.

 

The civic officials is in receipt of complaints about ghats littered with liquor bottles and other objectionable materials. Hence, keeping that in mind that the ghats should not become hot bed for criminal activities, NMC bosses decided on move to bring these ghats under camera cover. Lokhande added that, with IP system, one can have feed on one’s camera and in case any senior official desires, they can view it. Also, the presence of cameras at ghat can help in curbing illegal activities and ensure better protection of public assets, he felt.