Gurugram authorities shift blame over adding streetlights

Gurugram Authorities Shift Blame Over Adding Streetlights

Gurugram authorities shift blame over adding - In a dispute over the installation of streetlights, the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) and Haryana Shehri Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP) are assigning responsibility to each other, leaving a critical main road in Sector 102/102A in darkness due to non-functional lighting. The road links the Dwarka Expressway to Basai Road, serving as a vital access point for hundreds of residents.

Jurisdictional Confusion

Although the GMDA stated the road is within its area of control, it has assigned the task of installing new lights to the HSVP. Conversely, the HSVP argued that their role is limited to maintaining existing infrastructure, with the installation of new lights being the GMDA’s duty.

"Maintenance handovers are ongoing; until they are finalized, the HSVP is expected to handle the installation of new streetlights," said Rohit, a junior engineer with the GMDA.

"The current system is operational, but the GMDA is responsible for deploying new lighting solutions," added Vinod Kumar, a HSVP engineer.

Residents’ Frustration

Local residents expressed disappointment with the authorities’ delay, pointing out that a high-tension electricity tower sits in the center of the road, exacerbating safety risks during nighttime. They highlighted a recent incident in January where two men in a jeep were seriously injured due to poor visibility.

"For years, streetlights on this road have been missing. It’s a crucial route for three residential communities, and the lack of lighting creates major safety issues," noted Sunil Sareen of Emaar Imperial Gardens.

Repeated Complaints Unresolved

Complaints about the unlit stretch have persisted for over three years, with residents filing grievances through multiple channels. In September 2025, a complaint was submitted to the Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS), and another was lodged on Haryana’s Urban Local Bodies (ULB) e-Samadhan portal in June 2025.

"Our September complaint remained unresolved because of jurisdictional conflicts and pending handovers. The municipal authorities confirmed a shortage of streetlights and are evaluating proposals for 21,500 new ones," stated Gursimron Singh of Adani Oyster Grande.

In a December 2025 letter to the Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN), the former deputy commissioner of police (traffic), Dr. Rajesh Mohan, noted that the combination of a high-tension tower and low visibility during peak hours increases the likelihood of accidents.

Call for Accountability

Bharat Nain of the Dwarka Expressway Gurugram Development Association criticized the delay, emphasizing that the responsibility for resolving the issue ultimately falls on citizens. "While authorities take months to sort out disputes, the public suffers the consequences," he said.