Hyderabad’s dark streets put commuters at risk due to non-functioning lights
Hyderabad: Residents across Telangana, including areas in Hyderabad, have reported widespread issues with non-functioning streetlights and median lights, with some lights even glowing during the daytime. This situation has been ongoing for several months, raising serious safety concerns.
Speaking with the Hyderabad Mail, Vinay Vangala, a Human Rights Activist and resident, highlighted the risks associated with the malfunctioning streetlights. “Non-functioning streetlights and median lights on the main roads and in colonies have been observed for several months. With the monsoon season upon us, people are unaware of potholes, making the roads highly dangerous for commuters.”
Vinay Vangala further pointed out that inadequate lighting could lead to an increase in crime, particularly affecting the safety of women and children. He expressed frustration with the current handling of the issue, noting that while citizens have been reporting the problem to the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), the response has been inadequate. “The issue should be managed by the contract agency, but there seems to be a lack of action,” he added.
In Hitech City, the Kukatpally Road, the area opposite Raidurgam Metro, and the Hitech City flyover have been among the locations suffering from non-functional streetlights. Some lights have reportedly been out for over six months.
Not related to particular zones or circles everywhere the lights are not functioning i dont know why govt can’t understand importance to streetlights, its case of safety, its a sense of security, it gives confidence to people using the roads @revanth_anumula @CommissionrGHMC pic.twitter.com/jor8ZiQGbu
— Bellam Srinivas (@SrinivasBellam) August 12, 2024
Sai Teja, a Social Activist, explained that the maintenance and installation of streetlights have been outsourced to the Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) company. However, issues with EESL’s work, such as faulty conductors, have been flagged. “The EESL contract, intended to address dark spots and improve safety, seems to have led to more problems,” Teja said. He has called for penalties against EESL contractors and urged Chief Minister Revanth Reddy to review the situation to expedite repairs.
Residents have taken to social media to draw attention to the problem. On ‘X,’ formerly known as Twitter, Vinay Vangala tagged relevant authorities to highlight the ongoing streetlight issues.
User Bellam Srinivas shared images of the Durgam Cheruvu Cable bridge, commenting, “The lights are not functioning everywhere. I don’t understand why the government can’t see the importance of streetlights for safety and security.”
Another user, @commoncitizenhyd, reported, “No streetlights from IIIT campus to Serilingampally GHMC office. It’s completely dark while driving.”
@revanth_anumula @Ponnam_INC @PrlsecyMAUD @CommissionrGHMC
బుగ్గలు బంద్ అయినయి!
రింగ్ రోడ్ మీద
ఫ్లైఓవర్ల మీద
మీడియన్ల దగ్గర
ఇంటి వీధులల్ల#StreetLights #SafetyLights @TelanganaDGP@EESL_India @CEO_EESL @HiHyderabad @revathitweets @swachhhyd @NeelimaEaty @HydWatch @HydForum pic.twitter.com/3jHyogw2Ud— Vinay Vangala (@vinay_vangala) August 11, 2024
Shaandaar Hyderabad also highlighted the issue, stating, “Need your attention, GHMC. Streetlights are not working on the main road near the High Court for Telangana State.”
Hyderabad residents are demanding immediate action to ensure public safety and restore proper lighting across the affected areas.
