The Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of a media report highlighting that a large number of CCTV cameras installed by the Municipal Corporation, Panchkula, are lying non-functional. The commission has sought a detailed report from the authorities concerned on the issue.
In an order issued on Tuesday, the panel expressed serious concern over the matter and emphasised the need for immediate attention. As per the report, nearly 200 out of the total 473 CCTV cameras installed by the Municipal Corporation, Panchkula, are currently not functioning, affecting a significant portion of the city’s surveillance network.
Despite repeated requests from the traffic police for timely repair and maintenance, the problem continues, pointing towards administrative delay. Due to this, there has been a noticeable decline in traffic challans issued through electronic surveillance systems, the report stated.
The HHRC, comprising Chairperson Justice Lalit Batra and Members Kuldip Jain and Deep Bhatia, has taken a serious view of the situation. In its order, the panel observed that the failure of such a large number of CCTV cameras not only disrupts traffic management but also weakens law enforcement agencies’ efforts. It noted that surveillance gaps make it difficult to monitor public spaces, identify offenders, and respond effectively to crimes such as theft, snatching, and other criminal incidents, thereby affecting overall public safety.
The Commission further observed that the absence of a functional surveillance system reduces deterrence against violations, allowing offenders to operate without fear of detection.
Considering the facts, the Commission said the issue raises serious concerns about administrative negligence, lack of accountability, and deterioration of essential public infrastructure. It noted that the situation directly impacts public safety and therefore requires urgent intervention.
The Commission has directed the Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Panchkula, to submit a detailed report covering several aspects, including the total number of CCTV cameras installed with location-wise details, the number of functional and non-functional cameras, reasons for malfunctioning, steps taken for repair or upgradation, a clear timeline for restoration, and whether responsibility has been fixed along with action taken against erring officials or agencies.
The Commission has also sought a report from the Commissioner of Police, Panchkula, regarding the impact of non-functional CCTV cameras on traffic enforcement and challan issuance. The report must include comparative data of manual and CCTV-based challans for the past three years, the impact on crime detection and monitoring of public areas, alternative arrangements adopted for traffic regulation and safety, and any additional requirements needed to strengthen surveillance systems.
HHRC Assistant Registrar Dr Puneet Arora stated that the authorities concerned must submit their reports through the Director of Investigation at least one week before the next hearing. The matter has been listed for further hearing on May 20.
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