MAPUSA, November 13: Expressing serious concern over the deteriorating law-and-order situation in Mapusa, civic organisation Together For Mapusa has submitted a memorandum to the Bardez Deputy Collector and Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), demanding immediate implementation of a comprehensive city safety plan, installation of AI-enabled CCTV surveillance cameras and preventive measures against criminal and anti-social activities.

The memorandum, submitted on Friday, comes in the wake of the alleged sexual assault of a four-year-old girl belonging to a street-hawker family in Mapusa. The organisation described the incident as a grave assault on humanity and questioned the effectiveness of existing public safety arrangements.

Highlighting a series of criminal incidents reported in the city, including burglaries, daylight robberies, the murder of a goldsmith and a burglary at a doctor’s residence, the organisation said these incidents had created insecurity among residents and business establishments.

The memorandum also raised concerns over alleged prostitution activities in public spaces and the presence of abandoned and dilapidated buildings that could potentially facilitate unlawful activities.

AI-Enabled CCTV Network Demanded

Together For Mapusa demanded immediate installation of AI-enabled CCTV cameras at schools, colleges, markets, bus stands, parking areas, public toilets, bank premises and vulnerable junctions.

The organisation called for integration of the surveillance network with Mapusa Police Station, supported by a dedicated monitoring and control mechanism. It also sought an explanation for the delay in implementing the proposed surveillance system.

Safety Audit and Joint Action Plan

The organisation urged the SDM to convene an urgent joint meeting involving Mapusa Police, district administration, Town and Country Planning Department and other competent authorities to formulate a comprehensive city safety plan.

The proposed plan should include identification of crime-prone locations, improved street lighting, regular police patrolling, securing abandoned buildings, monitoring sensitive public spaces and establishing a time-bound grievance redressal mechanism.

The organisation also demanded a safety audit of vulnerable buildings and public spaces, along with publication of a time-bound action plan.

Criticising the authorities for allegedly failing to adequately address repeated concerns raised by citizens, Together For Mapusa warned that preventive measures must not be delayed until another tragedy occurs.

“Public safety is not a privilege; it is a fundamental responsibility of every authority entrusted with governing our city,” the memorandum stated.

The organisation demanded a written response from the Deputy Collector and concrete action instead of routine assurances, stressing that Mapusa must not become a city where citizens live in fear while authorities respond only after crimes occur.