From Koramangala to Raj Bhavan, unlit streetlights remain a major concern for citizens

Bengaluru: Several areas in Bengaluru, including K Narayanapura, Koramangala, Doddanekundi, Raj Bhavan Road in the heart of the city, and Jakkur, plunge into darkness without streetlights.

Major Akshay Road, also known as Nava Jyothi Street, near K Narayanapura Main Road, has been unlit for over two years.

With at least four to five apartment complexes in the locality, the absence of proper lighting has triggered security concerns among thousands of residents, including students, women, and the elderly.

Rajendra Kumar, founder of a preschool in the vicinity, said that the lack of well-lit streets is a significant problem, especially as the residential locality is less than a kilometre from commercial enterprises.

While power supply is provided by Bescom, the operation and maintenance of streetlights in Bengaluru is the responsibility of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP).

Shagun Joshi, a student at a nearby private college, said that the 400-metre street is unsafe. “The street is so dark that it is scary to go out late in the evening. It is totally unlit,” she said.

Kumar said that there are roughly 30 houses in Defence Enclave, followed by 75-120 houses in Ferns Residency and Balaji Residency, along with over 60 independent houses and several paying guest accommodations.

Another street, 17th B Main in Koramangala 6th Block, has been unlit for almost a year and a half.

Mallika Shetty, a resident of BSR Meghana Residency, said that the semi-commercial and semi-residential locality is bustling with motorists day in and day out, and the damaged electric pole has not been fixed since the damage occurred during the monsoon of 2023.

"The light holder is broken. I have registered complaints multiple times, but the authorities have still not fixed it. It is very dark, and there are no CCTV cameras to ensure our safety,” she said.

R Ranganathan, a resident of UAS Layout, 7th B Cross, told DH that the streetlight in the area has been unlit for weeks, and no action has been taken by authorities despite efforts to reach out. “The area is pitch dark. Added to this, there is a stray dog menace,” he said.

Babu GK, another resident of the Doddanekundi area, informed that non-functional streetlights near Bagmane Solarium City, behind Prestige Technostar, 2nd Main Road, connecting Outer Ring Road to ITPL Road, pose a safety threat to pedestrians due to incomplete drainage work and reckless garbage dumping. He said the area also gets flooded during the rainy season.

Will act soon: BBMP official 

A BBMP official said officials usually act immediately. He said, “I will soon look into the matter and take necessary steps to fix the non-functional streetlights.”