Vijayawada: The move to set up high quality video surveillance system in Vijayawada is facing hurdles since six months. As of now, the city has 18 traffic signal junctions, but at least half of them are defunct.
The VMC has identified 36 more zones to set up the traffic signals and called for expression of interest to set up and maintain modern video surveillance cameras and solar-powered traffic signals at 54 junctions by experienced companies. Though the process of bidding was completed in February, the corporation did not have the required permission from the departments concerned.
A senior official from VMC said, “We received the bids from companies, notified the authorities and waiting for the remarks from them. Until they give permission we cannot move ahead.”
The Benz Circle and Ramesh Hospital Road junctions are the two of the 18 junctions that have CCTV cameras installed in the city.
Traffic ACP S. Srinivasa Rao for 3 and 4 zones said, “We have identified another 117 junctions apart from the 54 suggested by the VMC to set up traffic signals. We keep writing to the officials concerned for speedy decision.” After the announcement of Vijayawada as the state capital, the city is witnessing a lot of VIP movement. The recent increase in crime rate is also a concern for the police as well as the common public.
Ms Anuradha Poosa, a degree student at Siddhartha Arts and Science College, said installation of cameras is the need of the hour. “I go to college and tuition on mt two-wheeler. What if someone tries to attack me or misbehave with me? If theare at least the cameras installed, a majority of people will definitely fear of them before resorting to silly action. This is not only my problem. This is the problem of every woman in Vijayawada,” she said.
