No CCTV in Pune’s Mohammadwadi Despite Rs 200 Cr in Taxes; Residents Warn of Protests

Mohammadwadi, 6th August 2025: In a sharp rebuke to city authorities, residents of Mohammadwadi have accused the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and local police of gross negligence after a decade-long delay in installing CCTV cameras across high-risk areas of the locality, despite having paid over ₹200 crore in property and development taxes.

The demand for installation of 50 advanced surveillance cameras — equipped with night vision — has been reignited by citizens after years of silence from officials, despite formal complaints, Right to Information (RTI) queries, and public appeals.

“We’re Taxpayers, Not Just Vote Banks”
“This is not just about technology — it’s about trust,” said Jaymala Dhankikar, a long-time resident and civic activist. “We’ve fulfilled our duty as citizens, but the authorities have failed us completely. What’s the use of Smart City branding when basic public safety is treated like a luxury?”
Dhankikar revealed that the community has filed more than two dozen letters and emails since 2015 to the Chief Minister’s Office, Home Department, PMC Commissioner, and the Police Commissioner — all unanswered.

“Are they waiting for a tragedy before they act? If anything happens now, we will hold them accountable in court and in the media,” she said.

Four Danger Zones, No Surveillance
Residents have flagged four major stretches in the area as vulnerable, citing poor lighting, proximity to wooded areas, and rising incidents of petty crime:
Anandvan Chowk to Lavanya Veg Restaurant
SM Ghule Chowk to Marvel Sangria
SM Ghule Chowk to Kingston Atlantis Amenity Plot
Trebeca Mall Chowk to Elena Housing and the adjoining forest patch

“These routes are no-go zones after dark,” said Hussain Shaikh, a resident of Ganga Kingston. “We’re told we live in a Smart City, but where is the ‘smart’ part when even street surveillance is missing?”

Years of Complaints, Zero Action
According to community records, efforts to push for CCTV coverage began in 2015 and include:
Over 25 formal complaint letters and digital petitions
Multiple RTI applications seeking project updates
Detailed maps of crime-prone areas shared with authorities
Requests for joint public–PMC funding mechanisms
Proposals for mobile police units in peak hours

Still, no progress has been made on the ground.
“They treat Mohammadwadi like a revenue hub — collect taxes, allow construction, and disappear,” said Ashok Mehendale, a local social worker. “We see new buildings every month, but not a single rupee spent on public safety.”

Forest Patch Turns Unsafe
Sadik Khan, a resident of Ganga Florentina, pointed to growing concerns around the forested area behind Elena Housing.

“It’s become a spot for illegal activities. Children and elderly people walk there every day. If authorities don’t act now, they’ll be responsible for the consequences,” he warned.

Citizen Charter: Five Immediate Demands
The residents have issued a public charter with five urgent demands:
Installation of 50 high-definition CCTV cameras with real-time night vision
Live monitoring by local law enforcement
Monthly functionality audits and public reports
A deadline-based plan for street lighting and enhanced patrolling
Open accountability sessions with ward officers and police inspectors

Protest Plans and Legal Action
Residents have made it clear they are prepared to escalate the matter.
“If we see no movement in the next few days, we will protest outside the PMC headquarters,” said Dhankikar. “And we’re readying a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) to be filed in the Bombay High Court. ₹200 crore is not loose change. It’s our safety — and we’re not asking for favors.”