When housing societies is not complying with basic norms of appointing security guards then how will they install CCTV’s in the premises?
The State Government has directed Municipal Corporations to make it mandatory to all housing societies to install CCTV in the premises. However, if housing societies have failed to even appoint security guards then how can we expect them to adhere to the new security guidelines? Thus the CCTV installation process won’t even feature in the priority list of housing societies. Solar energy installations have been made compulsory hence all new buildings have installed them but not even 1 per cent solar plants are in service.
According to the Maharashtra Fire Prevention & Life Safety Act, 2008, it’s mandatory for every housing society to carry out fire safety audit every six months but many of them violate these norms. Whenever, a fire breaks out then it becomes a subject of media discussion and everything is forgotten soon after few days. Thus, if housing societies are not complying with basic norms then how will they install CCTV’s in the premises? To make matters worse, CCTV’s installed in some of the housing societies are not functioning.
Anil Galgali an RTI Activist said, “Even though the government had made mandatory to install fire extinguishers in every floor of the housing societies yet many accidents continue to occur. The Fire Brigade officials arrive and extinguish the fire and ask housing societies to install firefighting equipment. We should file a complaint against errant builders and call for their arrest.”
Snehangshu, a Mira road resident said, “The builder had promised to install Solar panels, RO filters for water and CCTV cameras on every floor. None of the promises made in the agreements are implemented. Two years back, they had promised that the water pipeline will be ready but it is yet to see the light of the day. We have to rely on tankers for our daily water supply needs.”
Indur Chhugani, a freelance journalist said, “It’s just another eye-wash. The government officials will demand bribe from the builders for granting permission to them for installing solar panels, RO filters and CCTVs. If the builder fails to provide amenities then the cooperative societies ask the residents to pay extra money for installing these facilities.”
Nargis Wasti, a Kandivali resident said, “Our building has security round the clock and CCTV camera too is installed in the lifts. The society is planning to install solar panels and there are four blocks. Members are willing to pay more maintenance amount.”
Thane, guardian minister Eknath Shinde had suggested to make CCTVs compulsory to keep an eye on untoward activities and curb crime. CCTVs enable police to crack crimes at a faster pace as they get vital clues from the footage.
He said, “To control increasing cases of chain snatching, burglaries, molestation and eve-teasing in daylight, CCTVs at housing societies will play an important role.”
Shinde added, “Installation of CCTVs could be worked out and made a necessary criteria for upcoming projects. This will help residents as well as police.”
