Sopore, Dec 20 (KNO): Residents of north Kashmir’s Sopore have expressed safety concerns as the town grapples with nocturnal challenges caused by non-functional streetlights. They have urged authorities to repair the lights to prevent any untoward incident.
Locals who spoke to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said a large number of streetlights in the town are currently non-operational. This has left various areas, including residential and commercial zones, enveloped in darkness, they said.
Residents, particularly those conducting business during evening hours, said they face disruptions due to inadequate street lighting.
Pedestrians and commuters said passing through the unlit streets is challenging. They expressed apprehensions about safety, saying that the lack of proper lighting poses security threats.
Tariq Ahmed, a local shopkeeper at Iqbal Market, said streetlights play a crucial role in ensuring safety. “Without them, the town feels less secure and presents a ghostly look. The authorities should address the issue at the earliest,” he said.
Residents claimed that they had raised the issue with local authorities but to no avail. The situation becomes challenging after 5 pm.
“Authorities must immediately restore the sense of security that proper lighting provides, especially after sunset,” said Tajamul Ahmed, another resident.
Officials at the Municipal Council acknowledged the issue, saying they are aware of the non-operational streetlights.
Tariq Ahmed Reshi, the Chief Executive Officer of the Municipal Council Sopore, said a comprehensive assessment is underway.
He assured that immediate action would be taken to rectify the dysfunctional streetlights. “Teams are working diligently and have been mobilised to conduct thorough inspections for necessary repairs,” he added.
Reshi also mentioned that due to the efforts of the district administration and the directorate office, funds have been released and they are soon going to install 60-watt lights across major roads—(KNO)