People in Madikeri spend fearful nights as T-5 lights go defunct

The residents in various layouts make their way to their houses immediately after dusk due to the malfunctioning of T-tube lights and as the dark atmosphere poses threat to them.

There are no high-mast lights in town except at Sudarshana Circle, General Thimmaiah Circle, Private bus sand, Chowki Stand and Raja Seat. Tourists do not dare to step out at night, as there are no lights on the street. In this situation, stepping out of the houses may not be less than inviting a danger.

The stretch between General Timmaiah Circle and Mangaluru Road is immersed in darkness. The street lights at Ranipet, Idga Road, Muttappa Temple, Convent Junction, Gundurao Extension, New Extension, Putani Nagar and other layouts are out of order. After 6 pm, women and children do not take the risk of walking outside.

Although the government was aware of the fact that the tube lights manufactured by T-5 company will not be compatible with the humid weather of Madikeri, an order was passed to install the lights from the company. The company was supposed to provide free maintenance for tube lights for a period of one year, starting from the day of installation. The period ended on November 30 – neither did the company take the responsibility of replacing the defunct tube lights nor did the officials take any action in this connection.

People, meanwhile, are of the opinion that sodium bulbs are more suitable for the humid climate of Madikeri.

City Municipal Council member Chummi Devaiah said that Madikeri will receive Rs 32 crore grants under the third phase of Nagarotthana project. The CMC has already received a set of guidelines in this regard and an action plan will be drawn towards the project. The grants will be used for the installation of street lights, pedestrian path, drinking water, waste management and for the construction of a park.