BMC sitting on file of CCTV installation at popular electronics market for five months
The country's largest wholesale and retail electronics market at Lohar Chawl area in C ward has no CCTV cameras, because ward officials have been sitting on the file to grant permission for their installation for the last five months.
Despite several follow-ups with the local BMC office, the market association, which is footing a bill of around Rs16 lakh for the surveillance, is yet to receive a no-objection certificate (NOC).
What was the association asked to do?
Bhavik A Parikh, president of the Electrical Merchants Association, said, "Committee members of the association were summoned by senior inspector of LT Marg police station in the first week of July. The police advised them to install CCTVs at strategic locations for the security of the public as well as shopkeepers".
Why?
Lohar Chawl, a densely populated and popular area a stone's thrown away from the Mumbai police commissioner's office, decided to install the cameras on the advice of the local police who perceived a threat to the area. A team of police officials and committee members surveyed the area and identified key points to install CCTVs.
"We gave our written consent and proposal, along with drawings of places of installation, to L T Marg police station for approval on July 26, 2014. The police were satisfied with the proposal and advised us to submit the same plan to the C ward office for their NOC on August 14, 2014," Parikh said.
What's the security plan?
Detailing the installation plan, he said there would be 56 high-density cameras that can capture clear images during night, 56 baluns, four 16-channel digital video recorders, four LCD monitors, active baluns, armoured double-core cable, and uninterruptible power supply.
The cost of installation, with warranty, has been estimated at roughly Rs16 lakh. Parikh said, "Being dealers in cable we are well aware of the importance of quality. Since entire wiring would be external, we are using armoured cables which are strong, long-lasting and the safest."
Documents submitted to the police and the BMC are with this paper.
What's the BMC saying?
Rajendra Chopra, one of the committee members from the market association, said, "Though we are not seeking any monetary benefits from any government agencies, why should there be inordinate delays to simply grant permission?"
Dr Ravindra Shishwe, deputy commissioner of police, zone I, said "We are keen on the safety of citizens. I will personally look into the matter and speak to BMC ward officers to expedite the matter on top priority in the larger public interest."
Dr Sangeeta Hasnale, assistant municipal commissioner, C ward, said "I am aware of the permission and will finalise it on priority basis."
Sanjeevrao Mandalik, senior inspector of L T Road police station, said, "I have spoken to the BMC ward officer and will visit her to pursue the matter."
High-profile market
Lohar Chawl is interconnected and surrounded with country's top wholesale markets that see lakhs of visitors daily. The prominent ones include Zaveri Bazar, Dagina Bazar, Dawa Bazar (medical and chemical market), Mangaldas Market, Crawford Market, Manish Market, Abdul Rehman Street and Kalbadevi Road.
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