E-Paper
Glitzy Millennium City descends into dark ages
They were promised futuristic LED streetlights fitted with auto timers. But residents of the millennium city of Gurgaon feel lucky if they get to see even a conventional light on the streets. No light ahead
They were promised futuristic LED streetlights fitted with auto timers. But residents of the millennium city of Gurgaon feel lucky if they get to see even a conventional light on the streets.
After sunset, busy stretches of Gurgaon plunge into darkness. This is when criminals come out of their dens and strike at will. Women are at the receiving end with goons misbehaving and snatching their valuables.
Then, there are road accidents across the city.
The Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA) is responsible for streetlights on the master roads - Sohna Road, Golf Course, Sector 30-44, Paras Hospital, Sector 51 and Ardee City.
Most chain-snatching incidents are reported from these areas as either poles are missing, lights have not been fitted or they do not work.
Many poles get damaged due to accidents but no one bothers to repair them till RWAs pursue the matter.
Raman Sharma, president of Gurgaon Progressive Forum, said, "There is no adequate number of streetlights in our area. Women feel unsafe and many eve-teasing cases have been reported. We demanded solar streetlights but no action has been taken".
The authority had been planning for long to install auto-timers on streetlights in its sectors but the process is still in the initial stages.
Recently, the Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon announced it would install 400 LED streetlights at a cost of Rs. 38 lakh.
But residents say fixing the non-functional streetlights should be the first priority.
Arun Dhankhar, executive engineer (electrical wing) of HUDA, said, "We do get a lot of complaints about streetlights but that is not our fault. Due to heavy consumption, voltage dips and often damages streetlights."
