For several years, resident bodies and RWAs have managed to instal a few streetlights, but now they are looking at concerted efforts from the authorities.
Even after two decades of coming into existence, the planned sub-city of Dwarka is yet to get lights for its service lanes.
After sundown, the lanes become unsafe and incidents of snatching have become far too common. Overgrown trees and dense undergrowth have made matters worse.
Speaking on the subject, ACP, Dwarka, Rajendra Singh, said, “We have raised the issue in various meetings with the DDA, the MCD and BSES. We have also met various RWAs under Neighbourhood Watch Scheme, and asked them to have some lights along the boundary walls. In fact, a lot of RWAs have pitched in. But ultimately the civic agencies should take up the matter and ensure that the service lanes are properly lit.”
According to DDA officials, there was no plan for streetlights for the service lanes, as these lanes were supposed to get sufficient light from the electric poles on the central verge of the master plan roads. “In the planning, street lights were to be provided on the master plan road — their light would illuminate the lanes too. If you look at the pattern of street poles on master plan roads across the sub-city, you’ll know what we are talking about,” said an official on condition of anonymity.
But with the time, Dwarka went for massive tree-planting drives along the master plan road and service lanes. These trees have now grown up to obstruct light coming from the main roads.
For several years, residents bodies and RWAs have managed to instal a few street lights — but such isolated efforts do not solve the general problem.
Recently, after much complaining, the authorities installed a few LED streetlights along the service lane in front of the societies of Sector 6.
People are looking at more cooperation from the authorities and the area representatives. They want a policy on streetlights in the service lanes across the sub-city. “The municipal corporation, the DDA and BSES should together mull over the problem and come out with a solution. No matter who has the jurisdiction, our security is at risk. Whatever be the initial planning directives, streetlights in service lanes is the need of the hour,” iterated Pratibha Mittal, a resident of Sector 10.
