Hyderabad: Dysfunctional streetlights have been causing inconvenience for both commuters and residents in various areas across the city, especially during the rainy season. Residents say they have complained numerous times, but all in vain.
The residents expressed concern regarding safety hazards arising from the lack of proper lighting, urging the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) to address the issue promptly to prevent accidents and other untoward situations, especially during monsoon.
Residents say the dysfunctional lights have been proved to the main reason for untoward incidents during rains. “The dug up roads, potholes, and no lights in inner lanes is double trouble during rains. The officials must take a note and maintain the lights – at least in rainy season,” said Mujeeb, a resident of Bahadurpura.
The issue is affecting various areas across the city, colonies in Mehdipatnam, Tolichowki, Shaikpet, Rajendranagar, Sanath Nagar, Ameerpet, Bachupally, Kukatpally, Banjara Hills, Jubilee Hills, and in areas of Old City.
Shockingly, in Noor Khan Bazar, there is no street light in front of Dabeerpura corporator’s office.
K Srikanth, a resident of Bachupally, said the street lights are totally not working for over a month now. “Due to the darkness, people are facing significant difficulties and the entire colony is in the dark. The darkness in internal lanes has facilitated the street dog menace, increased the risk of miscreant activities, and raised concerns over alcohol-related issues. Public safety is at stake, and it feels like our area is being neglected,” said Srikanth.
Residents urged the higher officials to take immediate action against the negligent officers responsible for this situation and help save public lives.
Asif Hussain Sohail, a resident and a member of Surya Nagar Colony in Shaikpet alleged of ‘No bribe, no street lights’ in Shaikpet, as officials are demanding bribes. “Surya Nagar, Shaikpet had no maintenance for last 6 months. Officials demanding bribes for repairs,” he alleged.
Asif Hussain continued, “Over 5,000 residents are ready to give a representation against the concerned officials. We request the GHMC Commissioner for a vigilance inquiry and suspension of those officials who are at fault.”
Moreover, there are malfunctioning street lights that remain illuminated during the daytime while failing to operate at night. Complaints regarding these issues have also persisted for over two months, with residents reporting that their grievances have gone unaddressed.
Ajay Kumar, a resident of Vinayak Nagar, said, “We are worried about the wastage of public funds and excessive electricity consumption due to these malfunctioning lights.”
“Surya Nagar, Shaikpet had no maintenance for the last six months. Officials are demanding bribes for repairs. Over 5,000 residents are ready to give a representation against the concerned officials. We request the GHMC Commissioner for a vigilance inquiry and suspension of those officials who are at fault.”
– Asif Hussain Sohail, a resident of Surya Nagar Colony, Shaikpet
“The street lights not working in our area for the last three months and we have been complaining about the issue. However, there is no response from AE. Also, there has been no inspection of street lights for a long time.”
– Mohammed Ahmed, a resident of Himmatpura, Old City
“The darkness in internal lanes has facilitated the street dog menace, increased the risk of miscreant activities, and raised concerns over alcohol-related issues. Public safety is at stake, and it feels like our area is being neglected”.
–K Srikanth,
a resident of Bachupally
