The Indian Express            26.11.2013 

Streetlighting system set for overhaul

With an aim of improving the condition of streetlights in the city, the Municipal Corporation is set to introduce Intelligent Smart Street Lighting System (ISSLS). Under this, a consultant would be hired who would study the streetlights in the city and make suggestions about the kind of light that is required in different areas. This is likely to bring under control the funds that are spent on streetlighting by the civic body every year.

Consultants from Administrative Staff College of India at Hyderabad will be engaged. An amount of Rs 18 lakh was recently approved by the Finance and Contract Committee for the purpose. A detailed report on several aspects of streetlighting will be prepared.

The streetlights in the city are divided between the UT Administration and the MC. The streetlights that are lit by overhead cables are with the UT Administration. Most of these are present on V-6 roads, in residential areas. The others where the electricity wires are underground are with the MC. The civic body pays electricity and maintenance charges to the administration to the tune of Rs 1 crore every month.

It has been pointed out several times in MC meetings that the civic body is paying hefty amount as electricity bills to the administration even when the meters attached to the lights are not working. Since average bill is paid, in cases when the streetlights are not working, a fixed amount is charged.

Arun Sood, a member of F&CC, says, "MC is hiring a consultant who would make a thorough study of the streetlight system in the city. The kind of streetlights that should be installed in different areas would be suggested. The huge electricity bills that the MC pays every year to the administration as electricity and maintenance charges would be checked. Looking at the advantages, the proposal was approved by the F&CC."

The MC had a few months back approved a proposal for replacing the sodium vapour lamps with Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) on the V-6 roads. Several sectors were identified for the project. However, it is yet to take off. The issue of streetlights as well as the lights in parks and greenbelts not functioning has often been taken up for discussion by the councillors.