Nizampet residents blame Gandhi statue vandalism on poor lighting & CCTV issues

Nizampet: Residents of Pragathi Nagar, Nizampet, are expressing deep sorrow and frustration following the vandalism of the Gandhi statue at Amberu Cheruvu. Community members allege that the incident occurred due to inadequate street lighting and non-functioning CCTV cameras in the area, particularly around the lake.

Sai Teja, a social activist and resident of Pragathi Nagar, spoke with the Hyderabad Mail, stating, “The vandalism of the Gandhi statue is an insult to Mahatma Gandhi. The statue was hastily inaugurated by Congress party leaders on Gandhi Jayanti, October 2, 2024, in a location where there is minimal foot traffic. This area has become a haven for alcoholics and is poorly lit. Installing the statue here devalues Gandhi’s legacy and feels more like a publicity stunt.”

Sai Teja further highlighted the need for increased police presence and night patrols around the pond, citing safety concerns as drunk individuals frequently break liquor bottles, contributing to a hostile environment. “This area has become a hotspot for illegal activities. Vandalising the statue is also a deep insult to our values,” he added.

He urged local authorities to address the malfunctioning CCTV cameras and repair the streetlights around Amberu Cheruvu and throughout Pragathi Nagar. “CCTV cameras should be installed around Amberu Cheruvu to prevent future incidents of vandalism. The cameras currently in place are poorly positioned, facing downward, making them ineffective,” Teja said. He has been following up on the CCTV issue since July 2024, raising it multiple times with police and GHMC officials during various community events.

Teja also pointed out that the CCTV cameras installed near the Pragathi Nagar Lake have been largely neglected, stating, “The police installed cameras on the main road from KPHB to Pragathi Nagar, but they are not being monitored properly.”

Hyderabad Police Commissioner CV Anand previously acknowledged the issue on social media, stating, “I reviewed the functioning of the entire CCTV network in the three Commissionerates. We have installed approximately 600,000 cameras since 2014-15, but many are not functioning. We are discussing necessary repairs and replacements with stakeholders and vendors to connect them to the Integrated Command and Control Center in Banjara Hills.”

In response to Hyderabad Police Commissioner Anand’s comments, Teja tweeted, “Sir, this is the situation. I have written to many officials, but nothing has improved. The situation remains the same, with non-functioning CCTV cameras in Pragathi Nagar!”

Residents are calling for immediate action to restore safety and security in their community, particularly around the newly installed statue of Gandhi.