Lights off for Bengaluru

Lights off for Bengaluru
Bengaluru,


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The power crisis in the city has hit the functioning of streetlights, leaving many roads pitch dark at night. This has raised safety concerns among people. But with BBMP saying that it is powerless to check the power cuts, there seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel, says Akanksha Mehrotra

Power cuts have left citizens groping in the dark with even street lights switching off due to the power crisis.
People in Bengaluru say authorities should ensure that streetlights are on in at least those localities where they fear for their safety.

A case in point Lalbagh West Gate, where street lights do exist but the area is in darkness almost every day. Women fear to wait for a bus here because rowdies and anti-social elements use the cover of darkness for their activities.

“I am afraid to wait at this particular bus stop. The area is not safe and with the streelights not working it can be very scary,” said Shwetha Srinivas, a commuter. The area also witnesses heavy traffic at night as the circle connects roads going to Jayanagar, Banshankari, Basavanagudi and other localities of south Bengaluru.

Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is entrusted with the task of maintaining streetlights. But BBMP has not been able to ensure that power cuts do not affect the working of streelights. A senior traffic police officer said the roads need better illumination and the police has been regularly bringing the issue to the notice of Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) but nothing has been done so far. “We have brought this Lalbagh area to the notice of BBMP authorities but their response is still awaited,” added the official.

The situation in the northern parts of the city is no better and residents have been complaining about the streetlights not functioning.

But their repeated complaints have fallen on deaf ears, they say. “Bescom is not to be blamed for this.

BBMP maintains streetlights. The roads in Sadashivnagar area especially near the Sadashivnagar club are in darkness at night. There is no one to ensure that streetlights are maintained properly. Moreover, residents’ welfare associations in the localities facing such problems should keep in touch with BBMP contractors who maintain the streetlights,” said president of Kumara Park West Residents welfare association, N.S. Ramakanth.