Decorative lights turn defective, ACB smells a scam in Panipat
The Municipal Corporation (MC), Panipat, has once again come under the scanner following allegations of irregularities in the installation of decorative streetlights on major roads. Acting on complaints, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has collected samples and launched a formal investigation.
In 2022, to enhance the aesthetics of Panipat — popularly known as the ‘Textile City’ — the MC floated a tender worth Rs 1.54 crore for installing 210 decorative lights on Assandh Road, Gohana Road, and the Sector 25-29 dividing road.
Sixty lights were installed along Assandh Road between Ram Chowk and the police post chowk at a cost of Rs 45.80 lakh. Fifty more lights were put up along Sector 25-29, stretching from Aggarsen Chowk to Mittal Mega Mall and Malik Enclave Chowk, for Rs 37.44 lakh. Additionally, 100 lights were installed on Gohana Road from NH-44 to Binjhol Chowk, amounting to Rs 71.41 lakh. Another 68 lights were placed on the Assandh Road flyover last September for Rs 35 lakh.
At the time, MC officials and the Panipat City MLA had praised the project, claiming it would beautify the city. However, soon after installation, many of these lights became non-functional, leading to public complaints about corruption and the use of substandard materials.
Sources said ruling party leaders had lodged formal complaints alleging that the contractor, a Hisar-based firm, used assembled, inferior-quality lights and poles, violating tender conditions which mandated specific brands. Moreover, estimates for the project were reportedly inflated compared to similar installations in neighboring cities, and wiring work was found to be subpar.
Even the lights installed on the Assandh Road flyover have come under scrutiny for quality and foundation issues. Sources added that a deeper probe into decorative lights installed in city parks could expose an even larger scam.
Following the complaints, an ACB team led by Executive Engineer Neeraj Sharma visited Panipat on Thursday and collected light samples from all key roads.
"Lights have been collected and will be sent for laboratory testing. Action was initiated based on complaints about substandard materials. It would be tough to comment at this stage. The actual facts will emerge after lab reports are received, which will be submitted to the government," said Neeraj Sharma.
