Downtown residents resent delay in restoration of defunct street lights

Srinagar, Dec 5: Residents of Downtown areas of Srinagar have complained of defunct streetlights saying they face immense inconvenience due to this. Aggrieved residents said they have to navigate dark roads amid defunct street lights.

In our Hazratbal area, major roads leading to the outskirts have no street lights. These are not any link roads or alleys but main roads where there is huge traffic and pedestrian movement,” said Nazir Ahmad, a local

The residents of Batapora, Tailbal, Habak, Shopribagh, Inderhama, Wanihama, Mulphaq and Danihama, said that despite repeated requests, street lights have not been restored in their areas.

“Our roads connect two receiving stations via New Theed, Burzahama, and Batapora areas. These roads are overcrowded with electric poles carrying the power lines. However, many of these main roads lack street lights. There is the issue of stray dogs in our area, too, which makes it worse after sunset. We appeal to authorities to check the ground situation and install street lights wherever required,” said Asif Ahmad, a local from Hazratbal outskirts.

The residents of Downtown said that in addition to the lack of street lights in many areas, proper maintenance is required, which should be carried out continuously. They said that these issues are rising safety risks for locals. These locals said that at various places, the wiring is not proper, while at other places, the switches of these street lights are broken.

“During rains, we have to use wooden sticks to turn on the street lights, fearing being electrocuted. Unless the maintenance is carried out continuously, there will always be a risk of accidents,” Said Adil Ahmad, a local from Downtown.

The residents also appealed for an uninterrupted supply of power to street lights in Downtown and other areas. They said during curtailments, the areas are pushed into darkness while taking a toll on locals.

A senior official from SMC said that they continuously carry out maintenance wherever necessary. He said residents can also contact them about this.

“We are also going to procure more streetlights and install those at the sites which lack them,” he said.