Chandigarh, 29 December 2024 – Nearly 15% of Chandigarh’s streetlights remain non-functional, leaving several city roads shrouded in darkness and posing risks for commuters and pedestrians, particularly during foggy evenings. With 53,000 energy-efficient LED streetlights across the city, the municipal corporation (MC) manages 48,000, while the UT electricity department oversees 5,000.
Residents are raising alarms over increasing criminal activities and accidents linked to inadequate lighting. “It has become unsafe to step out after dark, especially in winter,” said Hitesh Puri, president of the Chandigarh Residents Association Welfare Federation (CRAWFED). “Officials claim lights aren’t available for replacement, but how can something as basic as bulbs be out of stock in the city? Unlit parks and back lanes discourage community activities,” he added.
Baljinder Singh Bittu, chairman of the Federation of Sectors Welfare Association Chandigarh (FOSWAC), echoed similar concerns. “Despite repeated complaints, authorities take months to repair even one light. Cyclists and pedestrians struggle with poor visibility, risking accidents on potholed roads. Women and senior citizens avoid stepping out after dusk due to fears of thefts and harassment.”
According to residents, key stretches on Madhya Marg, Dakshin Marg, the Industrial Area, and roads between Sector 45 and Sector 48 remain dark, exacerbating safety issues.
An MC official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that 15% of streetlights remain out of order. “We continue repairing faulty lights, but jurisdictional issues delay resolution in many cases,” the official said. The MC had earlier written to the UT administration, requesting full control over city streetlighting, along with a sufficient budget for efficient management.
“Partial jurisdiction creates confusion and delays repairs,” the letter noted, adding, “It becomes difficult to assign responsibility and ensure accountability without a unified system.” The UT administration has yet to respond to the request, leaving city residents to grapple with growing safety concerns.
