25 per cent out of 37K street lights in City defective

Out of the 37000 street lights in the city, almost 25 per cent are defective causing great discomfort to the citizens. Majority of residential as well as commercial areas in the city are reeling under total darkness due to this

Even on main roads and junctions most of the street lights are either shut or dysfunctional creating problems for pedestrians as well as motorists. This is despite the fact that the Corporation is paying more than Rs one crore every month to the Electricity Board for the consumption of electricity.

Residents of many areas have been complaining about the number of rising crimes like chain snatching and robbery as the crooks take advantage of the darkness to indulge in such illegal activities but the authorities have always turned a blind eye towards such complaints. Riding or driving through the roads which have no street lights too is hazardous, especially during the monsoon season as the streets are full of water filled potholes.

While the street lights in most residential areas remain showpieces, the areas in front of the residences of councilors and bureaucrats are illuminated with flood lights. The Shankar Cowk at Latipur Colony is illuminated with sodium vapour lights and high-mast lighting.

This is where Shobha Singh, the councilor resides. The same is the case in and around the residences of the Mayor and councilors belonging to the ruling party while the residential areas of common people are without even ordinary street lights.

Speaking to the media persons, Krishna Rao Dixit, the opposition leader in the Municipal Corporation said that the officials in the Electricity Board listen only to councilors from the ruling party. He added that more than enough street lights are lying in the various store rooms of the corporation, but the concerned officials make little efforts to replace the faulty bulbs.

However, Devi Singh Rathore, the Electricity-in- charge in the Municipal Corporation refuted the charges of the leader of the opposition and said that it is incorrect to say that only the houses of MIC members are illuminated.

He added that whenever a complaint is received it is attended to immediately. He also asked the residents to make complaints directly to him and assured that immediate steps will be taken to rectify the faulty lights.