Defunct Street Lights Plunge Khordha into Darkness; Accidents and Safety Concerns on the Rise

Khordha:-The malfunctioning of street lights across several major roads, intersections, and market areas in khordha town has become a matter of growing concern for residents. roads that are expected to remain illuminated at night are now shrouded in darkness due to the prolonged failure of numerous street lights, causing inconvenience and raising serious safety concerns for commuters.

          According to local residents, many street lights in key parts of the town have remained non-functional for several months. As a result, large stretches of roads are left in darkness after sunset, forcing pedestrians as well as two-wheeler and four-wheeler drivers to travel under risky conditions.The lack of adequate lighting has reportedly led to an increase in minor road accidents. Potholes, damaged road surfaces, and other obstructions become difficult to spot in the dark, often causing motorists to lose control of their vehicles. Residents claim that several accidents have occurred in recent weeks due to poor visibility on the roads.Senior citizens are among the worst affected. A local resident stated that travelling at night was much safer when the street lights were functioning properly. However, with many roads now remaining dark, elderly people feel hesitant to step out after sunset, particularly when they need to visit hospitals or pharmacies during emergencies.

         Women and students have also expressed concerns over their safety. Those returning home from workplaces, coaching centres, or tuition classes after dark often feel insecure while travelling through poorly lit roads. Residents fear that the prevailing darkness may encourage anti-social activities and compromise public safety.Locals further alleged that despite repeated complaints to the municipal authorities, the issue has not been resolved. In some places, the light poles remain intact but the bulbs are not functioning, while in other areas electrical faults have reportedly caused entire stretches of street lighting systems to remain out of service.The situation has also raised questions about the maintenance of basic civic infrastructure.

         Residents argue that while substantial funds are being spent on urban development and beautification projects, essential services such as street lighting are being neglected. The dark and poorly maintained roads, they say, create a negative impression among visitors entering the town.With the onset of the monsoon season, the problem is expected to worsen. Waterlogging on roads combined with poor visibility increases the risk of accidents significantly.           The lack of lighting may also hamper the movement of emergency vehicles, including ambulances and fire services, during night hours.In view of the growing concerns, residents have urged the khordha municipal council authority to immediately repair the non-functional street lights and establish a regular maintenance mechanism to ensure uninterrupted lighting across the town. Citizens and members of the intelligentsia have stressed that prompt action is essential to ensure public safety, improve urban infrastructure, and maintain the town’s overall image. They have warned that continued negligence may lead to stronger public resentment in the days ahead.