48 CCTV Cameras Installed in Silchar for Civic Upgrade, More Installations Planned Across City: Srishti Singh

Silchar Municipal Corporation on Thursday (January 29) launched a major surveillance and sanitation upgrade with the inauguration of 48 CCTV cameras across key parts of the city and the addition of new vehicles to strengthen night cleaning and waste management of the urban areas.

The initiative has been carried out under a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) collaboration with Federal Bank. According to Municipal Commissioner Srishti Singh (IAS), CCTV cameras will be installed at 73 locations across Silchar, of which 48 were inaugurated on the day of the event. The remaining cameras will be set up in phases. The cameras and vehicles were cerimoniallh inaugurated and inducted to the SMC’s infrastructure on Thursday in the presence of dignitaries, including SMC Commissioner Srishti Singh, Silchar MLA Dipayan Chakraborty, Mohona Das TS, Zonal Head Of Federal Bank, Titus PA, Regional Head Federal Bank, Nitya Bhushan Dey, Director, APDCL, Rajib Roy, DDC Cachar and Ajit Deb, President of New Market Merchant Association.

Speaking at the programme held at the Municipal Corporation premises in Sadarghat, Singh said the cameras will help improve public safety, monitor important areas and support law enforcement agencies. A dedicated supervisor has also been appointed to monitor the system, and the data will be shared with the Cachar Police when required.

Mohona Das TS, Zonal Head of Federal Bank, said the CCTV cameras have already been provided as part of the bank’s support and added that the bank is ready to associate further with the civic body for future initiatives. He noted that the footage would help authorities capture important moments and assist in maintaining law and order in the town.

Titus PA, Regional Head of Federal Bank, said the bank is happy to partner with the municipality as both institutions are focusing on digital awareness and security. He expressed hope for continued coordination and cooperation.

Apart from surveillance, the corporation also introduced measures to improve sanitation services. For the safety and convenience of night sweepers, especially women workers, a mini-bus (traveller) has been arranged for their transport. Two new vehicles have been deployed to remove construction waste from roadsides, and two additional vehicles will support Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) activities.

Ajit Deb, president of the New Market Merchant Association, praised the efforts of Commissioner Singh and MLA Dipayan Chakraborty. He said earlier proposals for CCTV installation did not move forward due to lack of funds, but the project materialised this time with support from the Federal Bank. He also appreciated the use of land under the new Sadarghat bridge for market purposes and improvements in drainage and on-ground supervision by the commissioner.

Addressing the gathering, Silchar MLA Dipayan Chakraborty criticised the previous Congress administration for failing to address civic problems, especially waste management. He said that after 2021, steps were taken to tackle legacy waste by installing processing machines at the dumping ground. Two Material Recovery Facility (MRF) machines are now operational to process and compact old waste, which can then be used for landfilling.

Chakraborty also raised questions about past utilisation of funds from the Gandhi Mela. Citing official records, he said the highest income from Gandhi Mela during Congress period was Rs. 11 lakh, while collections increased to Rs. 21 lakh and later Rs. 24 lakh after the new administration took over. He claimed that earnings reached over Rs. 44 lakh in 2023–24 and over Rs. 50 lakh in 2024–25, and that these funds are being used for development works. He added that the long-neglected Netaji statue area has also been renovated.