Srinagar, Mar 19: The government of Jammu and Kashmir has acknowledged that streetlights installed on the Narbal-Tangmarg Road in 2011-12 have remained largely non-functional due to a lack of maintenance, leaving them in a dilapidated condition.
In response to a query raised by legislator Farooq Ahmad Shah, the Public Works (R&B) Department stated that the streetlights were installed by the Electric Division Budgam with funds amounting to Rs 400.00 lakh, provided by the Executive Engineer (R&B) Project Circle Division 1st Srinagar.
However, in the absence of a maintenance schedule post-installation, most of the streetlights developed defects over the years, requiring complete repair and renovation.
The department has now prepared an estimate of Rs 251.10 lakh for the restoration, replacement, and repair of the streetlights. Meanwhile, with the Narbal-Tangmarg-Gulmarg Road being declared a National Highway under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and entrusted to the Public Works Department (PWD), a Detailed Project Report (DPR) is being prepared for submission to MoRTH for approval.
I would like to brings to your notice that I currently reside in Gurha Morh, Vijaypur. Due to the lack of functioning street lights at Gurha Morh Junction, where I must wait for my bus for transportation, I find it difficult to travel during the night shift. It doesn’t feel safe and secure to stand there for even ten minutes. Kindly highlight this issue
I sincerely hope you take immediate action.