6 Years Later, GHMC Still Delays CCTV Installation at Kishanbagh Park in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: Six Years On, Kishanbagh Park Still Awaits CCTV Cameras 

More than six years after its inauguration, Kishanbagh Park in Hyderabad remains without closed-circuit cameras, despite repeated demands from residents and police for enhanced security measures. The park, opened to the public in 2018 by the then Minister for MA&UD, K.T. Rama Rao, has yet to see any progress on this front, leaving visitors concerned about safety.  

"On Sundays, two to three thousand people visit the park, and on regular days, 300 to 500 people come. We've repeatedly requested authorities to install CCTV cameras, but our pleas have been ignored," said Abdul Riyaz, a resident of Asad Baba Nagar.  

Due to the lack of surveillance, residents living near the park have installed cameras in their localities to monitor mischievous elements. However, the absence of cameras inside the park and at its main gate has left visitors uneasy, especially regarding the safety of children and women. "Vagabonds often roam around the park, creating a sense of fear among visitors," complained Junaid Ahmed, another Hyderabad resident.  

The Hyderabad police have also urged the GHMC on multiple occasions to install CCTV cameras at the park. They pointed out that the park spans a vast area, is surrounded by several neighborhoods, and sees a heavy footfall in the mornings and evenings, with families, joggers, and walkers frequenting the space.  

The lack of cameras proved particularly problematic in December 2023, when an 18-month-old girl was kidnapped from the park. The toddler, Saleha, was with her family at a gathering when two women, Naseem Begum (62) and her daughter Ayesha Begum (32), abducted her. The police faced significant challenges as there were no surveillance cameras to aid the investigation. They eventually relied on footage from private cameras in the vicinity to identify and apprehend the kidnappers, rescuing the child.  

Despite such incidents underscoring the importance of surveillance, the GHMC has yet to take action to install CCTV cameras, leaving Kishanbagh Park vulnerable and visitors concerned. Residents and authorities alike hope that this issue will be addressed promptly to ensure a safe environment for all.