Pune Cantt Board sanctions Rs44 lakh to fix streetlights

Pune: The Pune Cantonment Board (PCB), following rise in complaints regarding poorly lit roads and growing safety concerns, has officially sanctioned Rs44 lakh to overhaul malfunctioning streetlights.The PCB's general body meeting on Monday addressed this concern and finalised 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.Officials admitted that the 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 the 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."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.Officials added that priority would be given to the busiest and most critical roads before extending repairs to the other affected areas.Residents have welcomed the move, but say timely execution will be the key. "The approval is a relief, but what matters now is how quickly and effectively the work is completed," Murtaza Poonawala, an activist of the Camp area, said.
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