Residents across several localities in Srinagar and other parts of Jammu and Kashmir are expressing growing concern over defunct street lights, which have plunged several areas into darkness after dusk, causing significant inconvenience and raising serious safety concerns.
Locals from areas including Bemina, Batmaloo, Rajbagh, Hyderpora, and parts of the old city have complained that non-functional street lights make it difficult to walk safely during evening hours, particularly for women, elderly citizens, and students returning home after classes or tuition.
“The road near our colony remains completely dark after sunset. It becomes dangerous, especially for women and children,” said Farooq Ahmad, a resident of Batmaloo. Residents have also highlighted that the problem is more severe in narrow lanes and interior mohallas where there is little or no alternative lighting.
Apart from safety concerns, shopkeepers and small business owners have also voiced their frustration, saying dimly lit or dark streets affect customer footfall in the evening and make their establishments vulnerable to theft and vandalism.
Authorities from the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) and Power Development Department (PDD) have been urged to take immediate action to identify and repair defunct lights. Locals claim that repeated complaints to the helpline numbers and ward offices have gone unanswered or have resulted in temporary fixes that don’t last.
Civil society groups have also raised the issue with local councillors and administration officials, calling for a streamlined maintenance system with proper monitoring and regular replacement of faulty lighting infrastructure.
With nightfall occurring early during certain seasons and key public events like Muharram and upcoming festivals approaching, residents are demanding urgent redressal.
“The administration needs to treat this not just as a civic issue, but a public safety priority,” said Irshad Rather, a community activist in downtown Srinagar.
Efforts are now being made to compile ward-wise data of malfunctioning street lights, which will be submitted to SMC for swift follow-up. The public has appealed to the LG-led administration to intervene and ensure streets remain safe and illuminated across the region.
