Defunct streetlights make new areas unsafe at night: Residents

Despite tall claims by the Haryana urban development authority (Huda), residents of new Gurgaon areas claim that their localities continue to be unsafe at night as most of the streetlights are defunct.

Despite tall claims by the Haryana urban development authority (Huda), residents of new Gurgaon areas claim that their localities continue to be unsafe at night as most of the streetlights are defunct.

Most of the streetlights in the new sectors are not working. Despite several complaints, no action has been taken. (Abhinav Saha/HT Photo)

The residents claim that most of the streetlights in developing sectors of Gurgaon are non-functional. The residents also claimed that they have complained to the Huda about the problems, but no action has been taken.

According to residents, streetlights along the main road connecting sectors 58, 59, 60 and 61 are non-functional. Also, the main road connecting the traffic junction of Sector 57 with the CRPF camp are defunct.

“The problem is worsening with each passing day,” said Ankit Khandelwal, a resident of The Grand Arch society in Sector 58.

Residents said they are worried as some cases of chain snatching, loot and vehicle jacking have been reported from the main road, where the streetlights are defunct. The road connects the area to the Golf Course Extension road, which is very busy.

The residents said they feel scared to step out at night.

“My wife returns home from office late and I have to pick her up from the main road, which is nearly 3 km far. There are no streetlights or police patrolling in the area,” said Mukesh Kumar, a resident of Sector 61.

“It has been more than 15 days since we complained about absence of streetlights, but no one from the Huda has come to solve the problem,” said another resident of the sector.

Deputy commissioner of police (East) Deepak Saharan, said, “We are increasing police patrolling in the areas where lighting is poor. Special care is taken in sectors that have offices and markets. We have also deployed a PCR van to attend to any emergency.”

Developers say they regularly write to the authorities, but to no avail.

“The problem related to streetlights continues to be a challenge. We are contributing towards improving the situation by deploying a quick response security team at certain access roads. We are also working with the police for better management of traffic signals,” said Vishal Swara, SLV Securities, responsible for the maintenance of The Grand Arch.

Anu Khanna, head facility, Pioneer Park in Sector 61, said, “We are continuously writing to the authorities but no action is taken by them. The residents are having a tough time while commuting on the stretch as there are no lights on roads. The streetlights are defunct.”

The Huda, meanwhile, assured of action soon.

“We are taking a stock of the situation in new developing sectors and are taking up all work in phases.”