Pune: PMC To Illuminate Merged Areas With 1,700 New Streetlights
Pune: PMC To Illuminate Merged Areas With 1,700 New Streetlights
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has embarked on an ambitious project to install 1,700 new streetlights in the 34 merged areas of the city. This initiative aims to eliminate dark spots, identified by the police department, and provide enhanced security, particularly for women.
Manisha Shekatkar, Head of PMC’s electrical department, stated to the media person that the project is being undertaken in collaboration with the police department. The civic administration is also working to strengthen the CCTV camera network in its jurisdiction.
The areas, merged in 2017, had local self-governing bodies hand over the maintenance of civic properties, including roads and streetlights, to PMC. The police department has identified nearly 250 dark spots across these merged areas, which are prone to accidents and crimes.
To address this issue, PMC has already installed streetlights in high-footfall areas like Bopdeo Ghat, Taljai Hill, and other popular public places. In 2022 and 2023, the civic body replaced old street lights with LEDs to better illuminate neighborhoods and public spaces. An audit of streetlights was also conducted to prevent mishaps, electrocution, or short circuits near poles.
The introduction of LEDs aimed to reduce electricity consumption expenses. With timely repairs, maintenance costs are significantly reduced. Currently, there are 1.5 lakh streetlights in civic areas.
In addition to enhancing street lighting, PMC has also repaired non-functional CCTV cameras covering key stretches like Tilak Road, Bajirao Road, and Laxmi Road. The civic body and police department have urged shopkeepers to install cameras at their shops, covering the front area, to increase surveillance.
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