Bengaluru: Last week, city Mayor Gagambike set a deadline of December 25 to fix street lights across the city. She took such a decision following numerous complaints of non-functioning street lights during her rounds of the city.
Koramangala Block 5 is an upscale locality which also has numerous restaurants and pubs. However, local residents complain that the street lights in residential areas do not function, and they fear attacks from strays and thieves.
“During night parts of the area is engulfed in darkness. The fear of stray dogs and that of getting robbed is always there. Recently, incidents of house thefts were also reported in the area,” said Kunal, a local resident.
He said on December 2, his bike’s fuel pipe was cut to steal petrol. “Whoever has done this might have scaled the wall of the premises. In November, a house in a nearby cross was burgled,” he added.
Recently, the incandescent bulbs were replaced by LED lights in several parts of Koramanagala. However, the work seems to have either slowed down or came to a halt.
Another resident, Rajat recently shifted to Thavarekere after his house was robbed. He claimed that poorly-lit areas always encourage robbers and other anti-social elements.
“It is imperative that street lights function during night time. It is unsafe for college girls since eve-teasers can get away under cover of darkness. The administration too won’t be able to do tackle the issue,” he added.
Rajat also pointed out poorly lit areas also cause road accidents. “If you go to HSR Layout there have been several occurrences of accidents in the service road and near the Sector 7 lane only because the area was poorly-lit and bikers could not see the speed-breakers or potholes,” he added.
Pedestrians crossing poorly lit roads risk getting knocked down as motorists may fail to notice them.
All street lights will function from Monday: M Chandrappa
Q&A: With the corporator M Chandrappa
The street lights in Koramangala are not functioning. Are you aware of the issue?
Yes, we have received complaints and are working on it. By Monday afternoon all the street lights will function. The Mayor has set a December 25 deadline.
Has the work to replace the street lights with LED been stopped?
No, in fact near Forum and even in Koramangala Block 5 we have replaced the incandescent bulbs with LED.
Due to lack of street lights there have been cases of thefts. Shouldn’t the issue have been addressed earlier?
I agree. We are stepping up vigil against chain snatching and thefts. Things will improve soon.
