Tribune impact: MC to conduct survey of non-functional streetlights

Discussions over the non-functional streetlights in several parts of the city dominated the Municipal Corporation (MC) General House proceedings today, after Congress councillor Gurpreet Singh Gabi raised the issue.

Gabi raised the issue citing the Chandigarh Tribune report published on July 29, “Dark side of City Beautiful”, highlighting the problems caused by the lack of proper lighting.

The councillor said the non-functional street lights put residents at risk. “While the Mayor celebrates the city’s second-place in Swachhta rankings, the ground reality is dire. Around 30 per cent of the city’s streetlights are either non-functional or broken, plunging large parts of the city into darkness. Is this what development looks like?” he questioned.

In reply, MC Chief Engineer Sanjay Arora said a city-wide survey would be carried out to identify non-functional streetlights.

He apprised the House that a team of 100 people will be deputed for the work, adding that the survey will be completed soon. On the basis of report, new streetlights will be purchased to replace faulty ones.

Notably, Gabi had during the discussions pointed out that Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL), a firm engaged in clean energy initiatives in Chandigarh, left the work a year ago and Junior Engineers (JEs) and Sub-Divisional Officers (SDOs) are attempting to manage the situation independently.

Addressing the issue, the Chief Engineer said a request for proposal will be issued to appoint a new company of the maintenance of street lights. The operation of street lights, he said, will also be connected with a control system to ensure 24X7 monitoring.

Rights panel takes notice

Chandigarh: Gabi said the Human Rights Commission Punjab and Chandigarh has issued a notice to the MC Chief Engineer. The hearing has been scheduled for September 19, 2025. The commission has sought a report from the Chief Engineer at least a week before next date of hearing.

The Commission, comprising chairperson Justice Sant Parkash and member Justice Gurbir Singh, said it has perused the news item “Dark Side of City Beautiful”, indicating that Palsora colony has lacked street lights for the past six months, putting commuters at risk.