Pune Police Demand For Streetlights In Deserted Areas Over Safety Concerns
Pune: PMC To Illuminate Merged Areas With 1,700 New Streetlights
Following a gangrape incident at Bopdev Ghat on October 3, the Pune police have urged the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to install streetlights in key public areas, particularly isolated spots, to enhance women’s safety. However, the PMC cites jurisdictional issues and insufficient funds as major challenges.
The city has witnessed a surge in robberies, especially in deserted areas, with victims reporting brutal attacks, theft of valuables, and beatings. To address this, the police identified 274 deserted locations and handed over the list to the PMC.
While the PMC has initiated work on installing streetlights in areas under its jurisdiction, such as near Bopdev Ghat, it faces limitations due to jurisdictional issues. Areas like Khadki cantonment, private open spaces, and forest department areas are not under PMC’s purview, making it difficult to install streetlights.
A PMC official, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that the corporation lacks sufficient funds to install streetlights in every deserted area. “Developing infrastructure like electricity lines and road networks, managing electricity bills, and maintaining the setup requires significant investment,” the official said. The electrical department’s budget of ₹20 crore for electricity bills, maintenance, and installing new streetlights is deemed inadequate, especially considering the newly merged villages.
Nikhil Pingale, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) for the Pune city crime branch, emphasized the need for the PMC to follow procedures, including visiting spots, making projects, sanctioning them, and giving work orders to install CCTVs. Pingale acknowledged that the PMC is working on the issue and has started installing streetlights in suggested areas.
To address safety concerns in hilly and ghat sections, the police are exploring solutions with the PMC’s CCTV installation project. As the PMC and police work together to find solutions, residents continue to demand improved civic amenities, including streetlights, to ensure their safety.
