‘18 city roads poorly lit’, corporators demand action

“There are major discrepancies in the study. As per the survey conducted earlier, the Regal Cinema chowk, which requires 15 lux units, has only 4.08 units, but the BMC data says that it stands at 23.025 units, higher than the required level,” said Satham, who also went on an indefinite hunger strike earlier this year seeking illuminated street lights in his ward.

As per BMC data, major areas where the lux levels are lower than the standard levels include the Amar Mahal Junction, Yogi Hills and Lala Devi Dayal road in Mulund, L D Ruparel Marg in Malabar Hill and Saki Vihar Road in Chandivali, among others. The reasons for the lower levels, according to the data, include muddy light covers, larger distance between two poles and also higher number of trees on the road that cast a shadow on the streetlights.

“With lack of illuminated lights in various parts of the city, there are higher chances of crime against women, thefts and other criminal activities. The installation of these advanced lights will only cost the BMC an additional Rs 50,000 for every pole, which is not much, because safety is a priority in the city,” said Dr Anuradha Pednekar, a Shiv Sena corporator.

While all the corporators have demanded immediate action on the report, civic standing committee chairman Yashodhar Phanse said, “We understand the problems that are being faced by Mumbaikars due to inadequate lighting on the streets. We will ensure that we have a special meeting where we consider both the reports and will soon arrive at a decision.”

mumbai.newsline@expressindia.com