Lack of streetlights in Srinagar’s Gojwara poses safety risk for residents

Srinagar, Aug 22:  The residents of Akhoon Sahab locality in the Gojwara area of Downtown Srinagar have raised growing concerns over the lack of street lighting on the internal roads of their neighborhood. The absence of lights has left several lanes in complete darkness after sunset, making it increasingly unsafe for pedestrians and motorists alikeAccording to the locals, the issue has persisted for years, and despite repeated appeals to authorities, no significant action has been taken. Many residents are forced to rely on mobile phone flashlights to navigate the poorly lit streets, which they say is both inconvenient and risky.“Walking the streets in our locality after sunset has become increasingly unsafe. We often have to rely on mobile phone flashlights just to see, and even then, it’s hard to spot potholes, broken pavement, or other obstacles. There’s always a fear of tripping or bumping into something,” said Imtiaz Ahmed, a residentShoaib Wani, another local, echoed similar concerns, saying, “The roads are already in bad shape, and the absence of streetlights makes it worse. I’ve stumbled more than once, injuring myself because I couldn’t see the potholes and uneven surfaces,” he said.The situation is even more concerning for women and the elderly, who find it harder to navigate the streets after dark. Ridha Iqbal, a student, said, “It’s really frightening to walk outside in the evening. I often return from tuition late, and the lack of streetlights makes the roads feel unsafe — especially near my lane, where stray dogs roam and bark aggressively.”Ghulam Mohammad, an elderly and a long-time resident of the area, added, “Even going to the mosque for prayers is difficult. The roads are so poorly lit that I have to carry a flashlight every evening just to make sure I don’t trip. For people my age, it’s not just inconvenient but genuinely dangerous. Many of us hesitate to step out after dark unless it’s absolutely necessary.”Motorists too have expressed concern, stating that driving at night has become increasingly hazardous. Haris Zargar, a local, said, “Even with headlights on, it’s difficult to spot potholes or stray animals on these lanes. Last week, I nearly hit a pedestrian because I couldn’t see them until the last moment. Proper streetlights are a basic necessity, yet our lanes remain neglected.Residents are now urging authorities to prioritize the installation of streetlights on all internal roads to prevent accidents and ensure public safety. “We are not asking for anything extravagant, just basic infrastructure to keep our families safe. Authorities need to act before a serious mishap occurs,” said Qasim Wani, another resident.Responding to these concerns, a senior official from the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), requesting anonymity, said the issue has been noted and action will be taken. “Although we have not received any formal complaint from locals, the department is actively repairing defunct streetlights across the city. For areas currently without streetlights, new installations will be carried out as needed. Our teams will conduct a thorough survey of the old city, identify dark spots, and ensure proper lighting to improve safety for pedestrians and motorists.”