Reign of Darkness and Ganeshotsav: Urgent Action Needed on Non-Functional Streetlights in Mulund

 

Mulund:
While the festive spirit of Ganeshotsav and the arrival of Bappa have filled the atmosphere with joy, the darkness shrouding several key roads in Mulund West is causing deep concern among residents and business owners. Recently, the road widening and concreting work around the Mulund railway station area was completed, but this new road still lacks any street lighting. During these festive days, thousands of citizens visiting for Bappa's darshan and immersion processions at night are forced to face unnecessary hardship due to this darkness.
Several street poles along major thoroughfares such as Sevaram Lalwani Road, Dr. R. P. Road, Netaji Subhash Road, and S. L. Road have been non-functional for the past few days. When citizens contacted the Maharashtra State Electricity Board (MSEB), officials cited that underground cables were cut during excavation work carried out by JCBs in the area.
Passing the Buck Between MSEB and the Municipal Corporation
Although these poles belong to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the primary responsibility of supplying electricity to illuminate them lies with MSEB. Just as the municipal corporation fills potholes and smooths roads during the festive season, it is equally necessary to resolve this streetlamp issue promptly. Ordinary citizens are being held to ransom due to a lack of coordination and apathy between both administrative bodies.
Rising Thefts and Security Concerns
The lack of continuous street lighting is no longer just an inconvenience; it has become a severe threat to public safety. Several criminal incidents have occurred precisely during periods when streetlights were out on S. L. Road. Previously, a theft at a farsan shop came to light in the area. Furthermore, incidents of bike thefts, mobile snatching, and gold chain thefts from citizens have been on the rise.
It is crucial to investigate whether this darkness is deliberate or if criminals are intentionally damaging cables and streetlights.
Key Demands Addressed to the Administration
·       Restore Power Supply Immediately: MSEB and BMC must coordinate urgently to repair the damaged cables and restore illumination across all affected roads immediately.
·       Install Lights on New Roads: Streetlights should be promptly installed along the newly concreted road near Mulund railway station.
·       Enforce Legal Accountability: Since MSEB rules mandate uninterrupted power supply and public lighting for citizens, strict action should be taken against officials turning a blind eye to these regulations.
·       Increase Police Patrols: Police must step up patrolling during the festive period to crack down on gangs taking advantage of the darkness.
To ensure the sacred period of Ganeshotsav is celebrated with enthusiasm and to guarantee citizen safety, the administration must take immediate cognizance of this issue and restore lighting as quickly as possible—this is the earnest plea of all residents of Mulund.
 
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