Gurgaon: South City-2 RWA to install LED streetlights for safety and security of residents

The move follows reports of snatching, thefts and accidents in the South City-2 area

South City-2 township, which is spread across 215 acres, will be replaced by Light Emiting Diode (LED) lights within two months. The initiative was taken by the residents’ welfare association(RWA) after several incidents of snatching, thefts and accidents were reported in the area.

The RWA has identified 200 dark spots where they will install 400 LED lights to ensure the residents feel safe. The project will cost nearly ₹15 lakh and will be completed within two months starting next week. (Parveen Kumar/HT)

The RWA has identified 200 dark spots where they will install 400 LED lights to ensure the residents feel safe. The project will cost nearly ₹15 lakh and will be completed within two months starting next week.

Most of the sodium vapour streetlights that were installed earlier are lying defunct.

“It (installation of LED lights) will not only reduce power consumption, but also provide better visibility for commuters. They are environment-friendly as well. Although the developer is responsible for installing streetlights in the area, the RWA took up the job in public interest,” Neeraj Yadav, president, RWA, said.

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“Thefts are taking place regularly in the township. On Saturday, two thefts were reported from block Q. However, neither the developers nor the authorities seem to be concerned about the safety and security of residents,” Pratibha Sharma, a resident, said.

In majority of households in the South City-2 area, residents said they fear for their safety for want of enough streetlights. They said the situation is especially grave at night when the residents return from work as the lights are defunct and the streets are pitch dark.

In many blocks, the streetlights either weren’t installed since the time the roads were laid or the developer failed to ensure minimum upkeep of the ones installed over the last three years.

Women residing in the area said they are wary of venturing out after sundown as streetlights in many parts of the 14 blocks are non-functional.

“The streetlights even on main roads are defunct, creating problems for motorists as well as pedestrians. The stretch from block E to the crossing of the market, block A to D and parts of the main road connecting Sector 51 are in very bad state. Antisocial elements take advantage of the situation and target women travelling alone,” said BS Chauhan, joint treasurer, RWA.

The area has over 1,500 street lights, of which around 1,200 are out of order.