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.
