The residents of Annai Indira Nagar in Chennai are a happy lot after their joint initiative brought the entire neighbourhood, nearly 21 streets and surrounding areas, under CCTV surveillance. The facility was formally inaugurated by MP Dr J Jayavardhan on 27 January.
Using residents association funds and sponsors’ contribution, the residents took initiatives and built 12 poles onto which the cameras are mounted.
Some of them are facing the entrances of streets, including the Railway station, so that anyone leaving and entering the locality is recorded.
Speaking to News Today, Secretary of Annai Indira Nagar Residents Welfare Association, A Balaji said, “The priority was to get the entrance of roads and junctions covered. The entrances of Taramani Main Road (near the church) and Annai Indira Nagar leading to Perungudi Railway Station, Kambar Street Extension and Balakrishna Nagar First Main Road have also been covered.”
The neighbourhood now has 25 cameras. Part of the 12th Street and 15th Street of Tansi Nagar and Baby Nagar Second Main Road have also been brought under CCTV vigil.
The association had met on Independence Day last year and discussed the increase in the number of thefts and chain snatching, a situation in which the residents said even the police were helpless.
“For a long time, the local police have also been insisting on the installation of CCTV facilities in the neighbourhood in order to bring down crime rate,” he said.
“Four families and a neighbourhood temple authorities agreed on keeping the DVRs. Even as the association bore 50 per cent of the expenses, Bloom Hospital, D K Home Constructions, Sai Subhiksha Homes and K R Home came forward and sponsored a few cameras. The expense of the poles and wires were funded by the association. Hereafter, in case of any crime, the culprit would be clearly caught on any one of these cameras,” added Balaji.