Defunct high mast lights in GK park raise security concerns

A colony’s park is a place of recreation for its residents; however, post dusk, this park in Greater Kailash-I block S turns into a dark zone. At least eight high

A colony’s park is a place of recreation for its residents; however, post dusk, this park in Greater Kailash-I block S turns into a dark zone. At least eight high mast lights have not been working for the past six months. The RWA’s repeated calls, mails and SMSes to the south corporation have borne no action.

At least eight high mast lights have not been working for the past six months. (Sanchit Khanna / HT Photo)

High mast lights are high-intensity lights installed usually at parks and intersections. The municipal park has become a dark corner for people who would otherwise come down for late evening walks and children who would usually play badminton and basketball here. The block has around 1,100 houses.

Read: Glitzy GK-I tangled up in its own growth

Residents claimed that while the lights have not been working for several months, some of the single poles have been malfunctioning for the past two years. They said their complaints have been met with false assurances by the concerned department.

“Groups of women and children used to come here in the evenings for walks and games. But now since a major portion of the park remains dark, people have not been able to use it. There are huge bushes here, which can be used as hideouts by anti-social elements in the absence of lights,” said Aruna Kapoor, a resident.

The RWA said it has also written to Mona A Sreeniwas, South Delhi Municipal Corporation’s deputy commissioner (central zone). “It is one of the best parks in GK-I. It is a pity it cannot be used much because of insufficient lighting. I have followed the matter with the DC’s office as well. Each time they give us assurances but not a single light has been repaired yet,” said MK Gupta, RWA’s general secretary. He said the concerned department did not have adequate equipment or a safe cover to reach the top of the pole that are about 30ft high.

SC Taneja, the area councillor said, “During rains, repairing of streetlights or high mast lights slows down to avoid any accident due to electrocution. I will visit the block to talk to the residents and try to get the problem fix as soon as possible.