Despite being touted as one of the fastest-developing cities in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Jammu continues to grapple with basic civic issues—foremost among them being the menace of defunct street lighting. As dusk descends on the city, vast stretches of roads and lanes plunge into darkness, exposing residents to both inconvenience and danger. Localities like Talab Tillo, Janipur, Trikuta Nagar, Nanak Nagar, Bohri, Channi Himmat, and parts of Gandhi Nagar have been suffering silently due to non-functional or missing street lights. In Janipur, one of the city’s most densely populated areas, residents report entire lanes remaining pitch dark for weeks, posing serious risks to pedestrians and motorists alike. Similarly, in the Bohri area, especially near Colonel’s Colony and adjacent roads, several street lights have not been repaired for months despite repeated complaints. This isn’t just an aesthetic or minor inconvenience—defunct street lights severely compromise public safety. Women, children, and the elderly feel increasingly unsafe stepping out after dark. The risk of road accidents escalates due to poor visibility, and the cover of darkness emboldens criminal elements. In Trikuta Nagar Extension and the lane connecting Greater Kailash, there have been recent incidents of thefts and snatching, raising alarm among the residents. Ironically, the installation of LED street lights under the Smart City project had raised hopes of improved urban infrastructure. Yet, the absence of routine maintenance and the lack of a swift redressal mechanism have rendered these installations largely ineffective. The Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) must be held accountable for this glaring neglect. It is disappointing that while crores are being spent on developmental projects and beautification drives, the basics—like ensuring well-lit streets—are being ignored. The administration must prioritize repair and maintenance of street lights across all affected areas. A public grievance redressal portal with real-time tracking of complaints, periodic inspections by JMC officials, and installation of solar-powered lighting in dark zones could serve as effective measures. Citizens, too, must stay vigilant and continue to raise their voices collectively to ensure their safety is not compromised. It is high time the authorities recognize that a truly smart city is not defined by digital signboards or glossy flyovers, but by how secure, accessible, and livable its streets are—day and night.
