SHILLONG, MAR 21: In a decisive move to enhance surveillance and curb illegal activities, the Shillong Cantonment, along with the district administration and local dorbar shnong, conducted a joint inspection at Lum Survey on Friday, identifying key locations for the immediate installation of closed-circuit televisions (CCTVs).
“We have done a joint inspection. We have identified all the areas where CCTVs can be placed,” said Cantonment Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ayush Maurya. “Mostly, we have identified those places where illegal activities are going on, and in a short while, we will try to place CCTV as soon as possible.”
Raising concerns over unauthorized settlements, Maurya said, “There are places where illegal people are settling, and the board will try to look into that as well.” He made it clear that strict action would be taken against encroachments. “Notices will be issued, FIRs will be issued, and action will be taken as per law.” He added, “All the illegal settlers will first be given a warning that they need to remove it. As per the Rehabilitation Act, we need to give them some land, and we need to talk with the state government on how we can rehabilitate them.”
Traffic congestion in the area was also flagged during the inspection. “We need to involve SP Traffic, so one more inspection on traffic (will be done),” he said.
The installation of 24/7 CCTV surveillance is expected to be a game-changer in tackling crime and unauthorized activities in the area. Plans are also in place to clear overgrown vegetation and transform selected areas into a regulated parking facility. “We will chart a plan after this particular inspection, and within one month, you will see the difference,” Maurya assured.