The emergency call boxes installed across the city under the Smart City Mission are failing to serve their purpose, as they remain non-functional between 9 PM and 8 AM due to the absence of staff at the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) in Company Bagh.
Officials confirmed that while residents can press the panic button at night, no operator is available to respond. Even during the day, calls for help may go unnoticed since no dedicated employees have been deployed in the control room.
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Assistance is currently dependent on police personnel in the traffic control room or staff from the Master System Integrator (MSI) company, raising questions about the utility of the system installed at significant public expense.
Under the scheme, 31 emergency call boxes were installed across key city locations to provide immediate assistance. When activated, the system flashes an alert in the control room, displays the caller’s image, and pinpoints the location.
Operators are expected to speak to the individual and alert the nearest police station or mobile patrol. However, this mechanism requires round-the-clock staffing, which has not yet been ensured.
According to Prem Dev Sharma, Senior Manager (Technical), Smart City Company, the system is often misused, with residents pressing the button without reason and remaining silent, creating difficulties for the staff. “To date, no genuine emergency request has been made,” he said. He added that the company will publicise the facility and take steps to deploy staff at night.
Mayor Nirmala Devi criticised the lack of awareness, pointing out that despite her repeated instructions, no boards or awareness campaigns have been carried out. She stressed that the facility can only be effective if citizens know about it and staff are available 24/7.
Key Locations of Emergency Call Boxes
Imlichatti Chauraha, Rambagh Chowk, Imli Chowk, Sherpur Narayanpur, Company Bagh, Banaras Bank Chowk, Brahmapura Lakshmi Chowk, Juran Chhapra (DM’s residence), Akharaghat Road, Sikandarpur Stadium, Pakkisarai Chowk, Hathi Chowk, Pani Tanki Chowk, Harisabha Chowk, Mithanpura Chowk, Kalambagh Chowk, Chhata Chowk, Maripur Chowk, Sadar Hospital Chowk, Purani Bazar Chowk, Purani Naka Mor, Atardah Road, Gaushala Chowk, Kanhauli Chowk, Fardo Gola, Zeromile Chowk, Jail Chowk, Sikandarpur Chowk, Power House, and Bairia Bus Stand.
Smart City officials have stated that efforts are being made to ensure 24-hour staffing at the control room so that residents can truly benefit from the system.