Taken over by corporation but streetlights still defunct, these Gurgaon colonies plunge into darkness after sunset

GURGAON: Poorly lit lanes and bylanes in several residential colonies of the city have become a major cause of concern for local residents and commuters.
Most of the streetlights in sectors 45 and 46, Ardee City, Greenwood City, Malibu Towne, Vipul World, and Sushant Lok-2 and 3 are either lying non-functional or not even installed at various places, leaving the residents vulnerable. Several incidents of theft and chain snatching, and accidents have been reported in the past few months in the absence of functional streetlights in various localities.
Some of these colonies were taken over by the MCG last year. However, the maintenance of streetlights is still a challenge. Despite repeated complaints to the MCG, no action has been taken so far, the residents alleged.
Chaitali Mandhotra, RWA member of Ardee City, said, "There has been three car thefts reported in the past one month. Since MCG takeover, streetlights have become a major pain point for us. After repeated complaints, MCG did repair it by making a direct connection as a temporary arrangement but now more than 100 streetlights are lying dysfunctional across the colony."
The residents pointed out that the dilapidated condition of roads has further added to their woes, making motorists prone to accidents. At least 150-200 streetlights in Sushant Lok-2 and 3 are not functioning, causing a lot of inconvenience to the residents, especially women who return late from work, the residents said.
"Roads are also in bad shape and it is completely unsafe to step out after dark as it is difficult to identify the potholes. Many elderly people have fallen and injured themselves on the roads. Often stray animals come out of nowhere, posing a serious risk of accidents. We have raised the issue with the MCG commissioner but no solution is in sight," said Pawan Yadav, RWA president of Sushant Lok 2 and 3.
Echoing similar sentiments, Rajkumar Yadav, RWA president of Sector 46, said, "There are many dark patches in the sector. Despite several incidents of theft and burglary, no action has been taken by the MCG to install the streetlights so far."
MCG commissioner PC Meena told TOI, "Regular maintenance of streetlights has been carried out by the contractor agency. However, we are soon going to hold a meeting with the agency and necessary directions will be given if there are any shortcomings."