The Pune Cantonment Board (PCB) has officially sanctioned Rs44 lakh to overhaul malfunctioning streetlights following a rise in complaints about poorly lit roads and growing safety concerns.
Decision at General Body Meeting
The PCB's general body meeting on Monday addressed this concern and finalized a private firm to manage the comprehensive repair schedule. An internal survey carried out by the board's electric department revealed that fittings of around 900 streetlights out of a total of 5,000 have been damaged over the past two years.
Financial Constraints and Safety Issues
Officials admitted that financial constraints slowed down maintenance efforts even as the number of non-functional lights steadily increased. "The issue had reached a point where it could no longer be deferred. Safety concerns, especially for pedestrians and two-wheeler riders, were becoming serious," a senior board official told TOI.
Chief executive officer of the PCB, Vidyadhar Pawar, said, "The work will start within a fortnight. Our endeavour would be to complete the work before monsoon."
Resident and Military Concerns
Residents had been vocal about the problem, pointing to increased risks of accidents and thefts in poorly lit areas. Military personnel stationed in the cantonment had also raised concerns, particularly about visibility during night-time movement. "The situation was frustrating. Several stretches were completely dark, making it unsafe for families and elderly residents," a senior army officer told TOI.
Prioritization and Execution
Officials added that priority would be given to the busiest and most critical roads before extending repairs to other affected areas. Residents have welcomed the move, but say timely execution will be key. "The approval is a relief, but what matters now is how quickly and effectively the work is completed," said Murtaza Poonawala, an activist from the Camp area.
