Delhi govt starts installation of streetlights ahead of elections

New Delhi: Ahead of Delhi Assembly elections, Arvind Kejriwal led Aam Aadmi Party government started installation of streetlights which was one of their key poll promises in manifesto of last elections.

Addressing a press conference on Monday, the Chief Minister said that the Delhi government has started the installation of two lakh streetlights to eliminate dark spots and ensure safety of women. The Delhi cabinet had approved the the project- ‘Mukhyamantri Street Light Yojna’ in September this year.

Kejriwal said, “The installation of street lights has begun. We have worked hard in the last two months to fulfil all the procedural requirements for spearheading the installation process.”

“A major problem that existed was that of dark and dimly lit spots in the city. We have already identified the dark spots where streetlights are necessary,” he added.

He further said the the government has tied up with an NGO - SafetiPin, for working on the safety and security of women. “It has submitted its first report to the Delhi government in 2016, after carrying out a safety audit and identifying 7,438 dark spots across the city,” he said.

The government has worked on lighting these dark spots in the last three years, and the number of dark spots which were identified in another audit carried out by SafetiPin over January to May 2019 was 2,768 in number.

“The biggest problem we faced in eliminating them is the lack of approval from MCDs in installing poles and streetlights on their streets. This innovative scheme bypasses the role of the MCD and provides a direct solution to people's problems of dark spots,” Kejriwal added.

The Chief Minister also told the press that every MLA is coordinating with the people of their constituencies and the remaining dark spots will be eliminated soon. Citizens are also being asked to submit suggestions for streetlights to their MLAs.

“We encourage all the people of Delhi to participate in identifying locations that need better lighting. Women’s safety is our priority and we will install as many streetlights and use as many resources as possible to ensure the security of women in the city,” he added.

“The government has devised a system wherein the installed streetlight will obtain power from the household connection of the building owners and the amount levied on the units consumed by streetlights will be deducted and paid by the Delhi government,” he said.

“These street lights are automatic and remotely controlled with a cloud-based sensor. They will automatically turn on when it is dark and will stop when the sun rises in the morning,” he said.