CCTV cameras installed at Alappuzha KSRTC bus station to curb anti-social activities

Amid widespread complaints of anti-social activities at night, the Alappuzha Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus station in Kerala and the surrounding areas have been brought under CCTV surveillance.

Officials said that seven cameras had been installed at a cost of ₹2.5 lakh as part of efforts to enhance safety in the area. While two cameras have been installed at the KSRTC bus stand, one camera each has been set up near the fire station, residential area, Matha boat jetty, KSRTC workshop and Jos Alukkas junction. A control room has also been set up at Alappuzha South Police Station to monitor the CCTV footage. The cameras were installed by the Alappuzha district administration in collaboration with Care for Alleppey, which sponsored the initiative. Earlier, the Alappuzha municipality installed a high-mast light at the bus station.

The move follows widespread complaints that the bus station had become a haven for anti-social elements. Several incidents of inappropriate behaviour and immoral activities, particularly during late hours, had been reported. There were also instances of physical attacks on individuals who tried to intervene or question such activities.

In response, a high-level meeting chaired by District Collector Alex Varghese a couple of months ago decided to initiate stringent action against immoral activities at the bus stand. The meeting also decided to install CCTV cameras and high-mast lights. It directed the police and the Excise department to enhance surveillance at the bus terminal and its surrounding areas to curb anti-social activities.

Regular checks

Besides intensifying patrolling, a joint squad comprising the police, Alappuzha municipal authorities, excise officials, representatives of shikhara boat operators and residents’ associations has also been formed to conduct regular inspections in and around the bus station.

The District Collector inaugurated the CCTV system on Wednesday. Assistant Transport Officer A. Ajith, Civil Judge and District Legal Services Authority secretary Pramod Murali, District Police Chief M.P. Mohana Chandran, Alappuzha Municipal Chairperson K.K. Jayamma, Care for Alleppey Chairperson C.V. Ajay, and others attended.