BHOPAL: As a safety measure, a number of residential colonies in Bhopal have installed closed-circuit televisions ( CCTVs ) on their premises. However, the digital eyes that aim at curbing crimes, are turning out to be privacy concern for many. Several residential welfare associations (RWAs) are now raising objections over the issue.RWAs of many colonies have installed CCTVs at prime spots on their campuses. CCTVs act as deterrents to crime and help track the miscreants. But some residents say they are uncomfortable with the idea as it is a breach of their privacy.On a campus along Kolar road, CCTVs proved to be nuisance for the residents. The RWA of the society had to ask owner of a flat to remove the CCTVs he had installed. “He had installed almost 12 cameras in his house covering areas even outside his flat. We got a series of complaints from the residents and as such, we had to ask him to reduce the number of cameras,” said an RWA office-bearer requesting anonymity.RWAs have also started informing the residents that they should avoid putting cameras in their homes. “We have recently started installing CCTVs on the campus. It is indeed for the security purposes. We have given due attention that it should not capture any balcony or home and cover only common areas and the roads,” said president of Orchard Palace, Jagdish Dwivedi. He said that the CCTVs are for safety reasons and not for breaching privacy.Shalimar Garden society has also ensured that camera angles should not capture anybody’s home directly. “We have ensured that the CCTVs are not misused,” said Shalimar Garden RWA president Alok Mishra.Residents on some campuses are wary about the security guards having access to the footage. Vineet Sharma, a resident of Arera Colony, said, “Too many cameras keeps one under constant vigil. I often get late from office and my friend drops me home. One of my neighbours asked me the reason of coming such late. When I asked how he would come to know about it, he said it was through CCTV. This is strange that even my movements are known to everyone.”Few even said that despite having so many cameras, crimes continue unabated. “Despite having so many cameras, crimes continue. I think there should be some tough security measures instead of putting so many cameras on the campuses,” said Vidya Verma.Cops too agree that common CCTVs in resdential areas must not violate privacy of the residents. “If anyone is having such problem, it is clearly breach of privacy. He can file complaint against such individual in the local area police station,” said ASP (Zone-2), Sanjay Sahu.

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