CCTV cameras installed at key locations across Dharmanagar town with an investment of lakhs of rupees to ensure public safety and curb criminal activities have now become mere “decorative objects,” causing growing resentment among residents.

According to information received from the Dharmanagar Municipal Council, a total of 94 CCTV cameras have been installed across the entire municipal area. However, residents allege that almost all of these cameras have remained non-functional for the past six to seven months.

The surveillance system was introduced to maintain law and order, monitor criminal activities, and strengthen security in the town. The cameras, once considered the “eyes” of Dharmanagar, are now lying inactive, raising serious questions over the maintenance and monitoring system.

Residents have questioned why the officials or personnel responsible for maintaining the CCTV network failed to notice that 94 cameras had stopped functioning for such a long period. Many citizens claim that the absence of surveillance has created opportunities for criminals to escape detection.

Questions have also been raised over the role of municipal employees, as the entire CCTV control room and monitoring system are reportedly under the control of the Dharmanagar Municipal Council. Citizens are asking whether regular monitoring from the control room has been discontinued or whether officials have remained silent despite being aware of the issue.

Some concerned residents, who did not wish to disclose their identities, said that government property worth lakhs of rupees, purchased with taxpayers’ money, has been reduced to useless equipment due to alleged negligence. They expressed deep dissatisfaction over the failure to restore the surveillance system.

The CCTV cameras installed at important intersections and connecting roads had acted as a deterrent against criminal activities. However, with the surveillance system remaining inactive for months, concerns over theft and other unlawful activities have increased.

Residents fear that criminals may take advantage of the situation, putting the town’s security system at risk. They have urged the municipal authorities to take immediate steps to repair and restore all damaged cameras.

Meanwhile, sources from the Dharmanagar Municipal Council stated that some miscreants involved in illegal activities and theft have allegedly cut the wires of many CCTV cameras for their own benefit. According to officials, even after repairing wires at some important locations, they are reportedly damaged again after a few days.

However, citizens believe that ensuring the security of the CCTV network is the responsibility of the authorities and have demanded stronger measures to prevent repeated damage.

Residents of Dharmanagar have urged the municipal administration to avoid further delays and immediately repair the defunct CCTV cameras to restore public safety and confidence.

All eyes are now on the Dharmanagar Municipal Council and the steps it takes to revive the surveillance system in the interest of public security.