Thiruvananthapuram: Defunct CCTV cameras at Vizhinjam harbour have raised serious concerns ahead of the annual fishing season, as the marine enforcement wing’s surveillance network has been crippled just as hundreds of fishing vessels from Tamil Nadu and neighbouring coastal belts are expected to arrive. Around 20 CCTV cameras had been installed across the harbour to monitor rescue operations, fishing activity and nearby coastal areas. Several are now non-functional after cables and associated systems were damaged, severely undermining real-time surveillance capabilities. Marine enforcement officials said that the disabled network could hamper monitoring, rescue coordination and coastal surveillance during what is typically the busiest period of the year. Officials anticipate a sharp increase in the movement of fishing vessels, workers and support operations over the next four months. Deputy director of fisheries Smitha Nair said the matter had already been taken up with Keltron, which is responsible for maintaining the surveillance system. “We have noted the issue of the CCTV cameras. Meetings have been held with Keltron and they have been asked to repair the cameras at the earliest,” she said. Adding to the operational pressure, the marine enforcement wing is also functioning from a temporary location after its decades-old office building near the harbour was vacated on safety grounds due to structural deterioration. Personnel have been shifted to the training centre building of the harbour engineering department. Smitha Nair said steps would be initiated to demolish the damaged structure. Officials cautioned that together, these constraints could affect the wing’s efficiency during the upcoming season, when emergency response and surveillance responsibilities increase significantly. The marine enforcement wing is responsible for coastal surveillance, assisting rescue operations and supporting inspections at sea. “Proper surveillance and functioning infrastructure are essential during the peak fishing season, especially with hundreds of workers and fishing boats expected to arrive in the coming weeks,” a marine enforcement officer said.
