It has been over two months since the streetlights went out in the villages of Sultanwind and the Canal area—both falling under the South constituency—leaving the entire locality plunged into darkness. Despite the passage of such a significant amount of time, municipal corporation officials have failed to provide any permanent solution to this problem.
As night falls, a death-like darkness descends upon the roads of the area, forcing local residents to risk their lives every day simply to commute. Expressing their outrage against the administration, residents stated that the dark streets have significantly heightened the risk of robbery, theft, and other criminal incidents. An atmosphere of constant fear prevails among working professionals returning home late at night, as well as among women and the elderly. Residents assert that these dark streets serve as a glaring testament to the incompetence and negligence of municipal officials.
**Lights Go Out Due to Theft of Wires**
According to reports, the streetlights initially ceased functioning some time ago following the theft of electrical wires from the area. Regrettably, even after two months have elapsed, the corporation has neither laid new wires nor made any attempt to restore the lighting. Residents argue that this is no longer a mere routine issue; rather, it has evolved into a grave matter directly concerning public safety.
**Officials’ Stock Response: “Lights Will Shine Only After the Tender Process is Complete”**
When contacted over the phone regarding this matter, Surinder Singh, the SDO (Sub-Divisional Officer) of the Streetlight Department, merely reiterated the same statement he had made two months ago: “The wires have been stolen, and the matter has been duly reported to higher authorities.” When pressed to provide a timeline for when the lights would finally be repaired, the SDO offered an irresponsible response: “The lights will be switched back on only after the tender is passed.”
