Hyderabad faces significant challenges with broken streetlights, causing trouble for both drivers and locals, especially during the rainy season. Many residents have repeatedly complained, but their concerns remain unresolved.
Incomplete street lighting raises safety concerns, with citizens urging the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) to fix the problem quickly to avoid accidents during the monsoons. Residents argue that the lack of lighting is a major cause of incidents during rains. Mujeeb from Bahadurpura highlighted the danger, noting that dug-up roads and potholes, combined with no lights, double the trouble when it rains. He insists that officials should ensure lights work, at least in wet weather.
The problem affects neighborhoods like Mehdipatnam, Tolichowki, Shaikpet, Rajendranagar, Sanath Nagar, Ameerpet, Bachupally, Kukatpally, Banjara Hills, Jubilee Hills, and parts of the Old City. Surprisingly, even Noor Khan Bazar lacks a streetlight in front of the Dabeerpura corporator’s office.
In Bachupally, K Srikanth reported that streetlights have been out for over a month, leaving the area in darkness. This has led to more street dog issues and increased risks of criminal activities and alcohol-related problems. “Public safety is at stake, and it feels like our area is being neglected,” Srikanth remarked.
Residents demand action against negligent officials to protect public lives. Asif Hussain Sohail from Surya Nagar Colony in Shaikpet accused officials of asking for bribes to fix streetlights. He said, “Surya Nagar has had no maintenance for six months. Officials demand bribes for repairs.” Over 5,000 residents are prepared to press charges against those responsible, requesting the GHMC Commissioner to investigate and suspend guilty officials.
Additionally, malfunctioning lights that stay on during the day and off at night waste public funds and electricity. Complaints about this have gone unheard for over two months. Ajay Kumar from Vinayak Nagar expressed concern over wasted resources due to these faulty lights.
Mohammed Ahmed from Himmatpura, Old City, pointed out that their streetlights haven’t worked for three months, despite repeated complaints. There has been no inspection for a long time, he noted. Meanwhile, Srikanth reiterated that the darkness in lanes increases risks of illegal activities.
Residents continue to call for immediate action to restore and maintain street lighting throughout the city.
