Of streetlights that don't glow; Rs 70-crore project by Smart City yet to be started

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Most of the streetlights in Guwahati, including those on the main roads, don't glow. Even though the Rs 70.27-crore streetlight project has been taken up by the Guwahati Smart City Ltd (GSCL), it's work is yet to be started.

What problem which dark streets in a city like Guwahati may pose to the denizens is quite known. Snatching of gold chains, cash etc from women and older people is on the rise in the metropolitan city. Theft, including theft in temples, is yet another problem that has been on the rise in Guwahati.

To get to the roots of the problem, this reporter contacted GMC's Executive Engineer Manojit Bujarbarua who is in-charge of streetlights in the metropolitan city. He said, "The problem of streetlights in Guwahati started from December last year when the anti-CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act) agitation was at its peak. Many underground cables meant for streetlights were damaged during the agitation in many areas in the city.

"After the anti-CAA agitation, the PWD started to repair and construct afresh the damaged dividers on the roads in the city. The PWD also damaged a number of underground cables meant for streetlights.

"When we were about to start the repair of the damaged underground cables and reinstallation of LED streetlights in the city, the COVID-19 lockdown has been enforced. However, after the relaxation of the lockdown rules, we've started the repair works of underground cables and installation of new LED streetlights a week back. We hope to complete the repair and installation works in the coming 25 days."

Bujarbarua further said, "The Guwahati Smart City Ltd (GSCL) has taken up a Rs 70.27-crore streetlight project in the city. The tendering of the project is over, but the project work has not been started as yet. After completion of the project, the GSCL is going to hand over the streetlights and other facilities under the project to the GMC. Glower streets await the denizens of the city."

The GSCL project is to have design, supply, installation, testing and commissioning of LED streetlights and centralized control and monitoring system, including poles, underground cables, earthing system, feeder pillars with smart controller, etc. The construction company will be responsible for the maintenance of the project for five years after its completion.

According Bujarbarua, there are 4,800 LED streetlights on the main roads and 10,000 streetlights on the by-lanes in Guwahati. "Around 3,000 LED streetlights on main roads and 60 per cent of the streetlights on by-lanes are functioning now," he said.