Ankodia Gram Panchayat monitors compliance with Corona’s guideline through CCTV network

Villagers moving without masks and make crowds are first warned and then fined

Hitting two targets with one arrow is a famous proverb and Ankodia village in Vadodara district has made this proverb meaningful and has shown a new direction of following the Corona guideline.

A network of 26 CCTV cameras has been set up at various places in the village by the gram panchayat to take care of security and vigilance against theft. However the same setup now helps them to keep a watch on violations of Covid guidelines.

During the Corona period, the village sarpanch and the panchayat started using this network to ensure compliance with the guidelines by the villagers including wearing a mask. While such a network is established in many villages of the state, Ankodia has charted a new direction of its use for Corona surveillance.

Expressing the feeling that their CCTV camera network has been a blessing in disguise, the village sarpanch said,  their original intention was to keep an eye on incidents like theft. Now in such situation they are using the facility to keep an eye on those who violate social distancing and other rules.

Those who walk without a mask are warned for the first time and fined if it is repeated. If crowds appear to have gathered, they are also instructed to disperse. Even those who waste water are gradually increasingly fined after the first warning with the help of this network. He said there was no question of deny paying the fine as receipts are given to such people and added to their tax amount.

With this network, there is a facility for public broadcasting at the location of each camera so that in case of any breach, immediate warning can be given. The panchayat also maintains a register of fines.  The panchayat has requested the villagers to wear masks, maintain social distance and take special care of the elders and children.

Corona is an unforeseen calamity and in addition to the help by the government, people are using different ways to deal with the pandemic. Ankodia gram panchayat has shown a new dimension to fight the virus and create awareness in people.