Pimpri-Chinchwad: Majority of CCTV Cameras in Pimple Gurav, Sangvi and Pimple Saudagar Non-Functional, Raising Security Concerns

Pimple Gurav, 8th July 2025: Security in the bustling areas of Sangvi, Pimple Gurav, and Pimple Saudagar has taken a hit as over half of the CCTV cameras installed under the Smart City initiative have stopped functioning, sparking public concern over growing vulnerabilities to crime.

The cameras, strategically placed at busy junctions to help monitor and deter crimes like theft, chain snatching, and assaults, have largely become ineffective due to a lack of routine maintenance. According to local reports, around 40–50% of these surveillance units are currently out of service, severely impacting evidence collection and investigative efforts.

Frustrated residents have criticized the authorities for neglecting critical safety infrastructure. “We see Smart City hoardings everywhere, but when something goes wrong and we ask for footage, no one knows who’s responsible for the cameras,” said Sandeep Kate, a resident of Pimple Saudagar.

The civic administration attributes the failure of many cameras to technical complications, particularly those arising from ongoing roadwork and coordination gaps between old contractors. However, locals are questioning how funds are consistently allocated to roads and lights while core safety tools are ignored.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (Crime), Vishal Hire, underscored the importance of functioning surveillance in urban crime management, especially in a rapidly expanding city like Pune.

Currently, 27 CCTV points are located in Pimple Gurav and 79 in Pimple Saudagar. Smart City officials have admitted that a majority are out of order. In response, the Pune Smart City Development Corporation’s technical team has taken full control of the CCTV network and is working on repairs.

“A consolidated system is now being developed under Smart City’s unified technical wing. We are actively repairing the damaged units, and all cameras will soon be functional,” said Vijay Kannan, General Manager, Smart City. He added that a total of 2,022 CCTV cameras have been installed across Pune under the project.

Citizens, meanwhile, are calling for longer-term solutions. They’ve urged the administration to integrate AI-based upgrades in future repairs to enable facial recognition and faster suspect identification, making the network not only functional but intelligent and preventive.