Dysfunctional streetlights plunge Jammu city roads into darkness

Commuting through dark stretches has become a daily affair as large number of streetlights remain dysfunctional, rue Jammuites . The Jammu Municipal Corporation officials  has already identified over 40,000 dark spots where Solar lights and LED streetlights are not functioning for the last  two years. All mot all the Municipal Wards  of Jammu Municipal Corporation in  Jammu Smart City are plunging into darkness after sunset because over thousands of the  LED street lights have stopped working in the city . In Jammu city, there are around 90,000 LED street lights on the roads and criss-cross  of every ward.  Among total of 90,000 LED street lights  installed in Jammu City under Jammu Smart City , 40, 200 LED  street lights have stopped working.  Residents said think twice before walking or driving down these stretches at night as the lack of street lights can aid chain snatchers and other petty criminals. In almost of Wards of Jammu Municipal Corporation at night and found majority  of lanes and in darkness.   70 per cent of the street lights  in Jammu Smart City are not working. The timer installed at many places on street lights are also not functioning. Sub Standard equipments  and street lights have been installed by  the Jammu Smart City Project Pvt Ltd.  Children, elderly even women  feel unsafe to commute in the area as almost all the streetlights are dysfunctional. In these dark stretches, pedestrians as well as commuters find it difficult to pass the area. Chasing of dogs and anti-social elements have increased due to lack of lights. To add to commuters’ worries, construction material like concrete blocks, sand and iron roads are scattered on the sides of the road for the ongoing construction works going in the city. There are several potholes and dud wires lying across the roads too. Most street lights are not functional and those that work are covered by canopies of tall trees that line the stretch.  People  are avoiding  walking down these lanes at night. Anybody might accost them. Over 80 percent  street lights had been switched off  since long which virtually turned this entire city a nightmare for the law abiding citizens and a haven for anti-social elements. Nowadays the Jammu city looks haunted and there is urgent need to illuminate these faulty street lights. What is the purpose of utilising public exchequer on installation of these street light when it fails to work since its inception. The administration seems more interested in spending on projects rather on percolating its benefits to the citizens. It reflects poor governance. Due to dysfunctional street lights, it’s dangerous for the motorists to move on roads. No one expect this much deterioration of infrastructure in heart of the city which is all set to be crowned as “Smart City”. Unfortunately  JMC  is not able to see  any change on ground, because of shortage of the man power at ground. .