Chandigarh to illuminate back lanes at Rs 8.19 crore; AAP leader calls it ‘sheer wastage’

Officials said the lack of light in the back lanes had led to the rise of apprehensions among residents about thefts and other illegal activities. They also said that area councillors had requested the corporation to install lights in the back lanes.

The Rs-8.19 crore plan includes the purchase, installation, testing and commissioning of 10-watt wall-mounted LED bulkhead lights and junction boxes. The cables for the lights will be laid over wall surfaces as digging in the back lanes area is difficult.

To install or not – the debate begins

Meanwhile, a debate has ensued between bureaucrats, politicians and residents on the need for lights in the back lanes.

AAP leader Prem Garg termed the move as “sheer wastage” of money. “It’s sheer wastage and will need heavy annual expenditure to run and maintain these lights. A proper cost-benefit analysis should be done before bringing any agenda,” Garg said.

“How many thefts took place in the back lanes as compared to those from the front gates. How much will be the power cost per annum to run these lights and how much will be the annual maintenance expenditure? How much loss was reported due to thefts in the back lanes during the last five years?” he asked, urging the municipal corporation to provide such data before going ahead with the plan.

Garg highlighted that in the last 70 years, these lanes have been without lighting and only a handful instances of thefts from such places had been seen.

“Every house has put a 6- or 7-feet-high wall in the backyard. Gates have been put at the end points in the back lanes of most houses, like in Sector 20-D. Ways should be devised to utilise these back lanes for the use of residents, without any construction. Wherever no water or sewer lines are passing through the back lanes, the residents should be allowed to extend their boundaries, like in new sectors, if feasible,” he added.

Garg cautioned the authorities that there would be an annual recurring expenditure of Rs 1 crore for the maintenance of the lights besides the power cost.

KBS Sidhu, a former IAS officer from Punjab, though, told The Indian Express that the money is not a “wastage” and solar lights can be used for installation, which will also allow subsidy by the central government.

“It (back lane) is generally used by domestic helps, who have small children, and so requires illumination. The lights will also help in protecting oneself against insects and reptiles. Also, without illumination, back lanes can be a safe haven for shady characters and drug addicts. Using the solar lights can be explored using the subsidy provided by the government of India,” he said.

BJP councillor Mahesh Inder Singh Sidhu also claimed that the money on installation of lights is not a “wastage” and “much required”. “… Only some lighting is required and not high-intensity one. Service lanes are isolated places and many of them do not even have gates installed and are a safe haven for antisocial elements, especially at night because it’s pitch-dark. Many thefts have been reported where thieves have scaled the rear boundary walls and escaped in these service lanes under the cover of darkness. Senior citizens living alone are especially concerned about these dark alleys in their backyards,” Sidhu underscored.

According to Vinod Vashisht, Convener, City Forum of Resident Welfare Organisations, foremost priority should be given to cover all pending dark spots where gates with provision of locking at both ends are not installed. “By now, most of the service lanes have become gated at both ends with the provision of locking. The first priority should be given to cover all pending dark spots on V6 streets,” he added.