Chandigarh, 29 December 2024 – With nearly 15% of Chandigarh’s streetlights out of order, residents are expressing frustration over darkened streets that have made navigating the city after sunset increasingly unsafe, especially in foggy winter conditions. Of the 53,000 LED streetlights installed across the city, the municipal corporation (MC) manages 48,000, while the remaining 5,000 fall under the purview of the UT electricity department.
Residents have reported a rise in accidents and criminal incidents due to unlit areas. “Walking outside after dark feels dangerous, particularly during winters,” said Hitesh Puri, president of the Chandigarh Residents Association Welfare Federation (CRAWFED). “Officials say replacement parts are unavailable, but it’s hard to understand how basic bulbs can be out of stock. The lack of lighting in parks and back lanes is also discouraging community activities,” he pointed out.
Baljinder Singh Bittu, chairman of the Federation of Sectors Welfare Association Chandigarh (FOSWAC), noted that prolonged delays in repairs are compounding the issue. “Authorities take months to fix even a single light despite continuous complaints. Poor visibility poses a major risk for pedestrians and cyclists navigating pothole-ridden roads. Women and senior citizens avoid venturing out after dusk due to fears of theft, harassment, and accidents,” he said.
Key stretches such as Madhya Marg, Dakshin Marg, and roads between Sector 45 and Sector 48 are among the many affected areas, residents noted.
An MC official, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that delays often stem from overlapping responsibilities between the MC and the UT electricity department. “Some cases remain unresolved for months because of jurisdictional disputes. We have requested the UT administration to transfer complete control of the city’s streetlighting system to the MC, along with a suitable budget, to ensure efficient management,” the official said.
In its letter, the MC highlighted the challenges of shared responsibilities, stating, “The partial jurisdiction leads to administrative confusion and coordination issues, making accountability difficult.” However, the UT administration has yet to respond, leaving residents struggling with the growing risks associated with poorly lit roads and public spaces.
