LED lights faulty, leaves large patches of roads in darkness: South Delhi councillors

COUNCILLORS IN south Delhi have raised concerns over faulty LED lights in their jurisdiction, which leaves large patches of their wards in darkness. The functioning of the LED lights has been a matter of contention for months, ever since the corporations began replacing halogen lights with LEDS throughout the city. With more rain predicted this week, the councillors said incidents of crime could spike as the LEDS, owing to their poor quality, go out even during a little rain.

In a recent House meeting, Congress and BJP councillors in the South Delhi Municipal Corporation expressed their dissatisfaction over the scheme. They alleged that the implementation of the LED retrofit scheme is flawed and the provisions of the agreement between the SDMC and the executing company — Energy Efficiencies Service Limited (EESL) — are being breached. The councillors also alleged that EESL is not meeting the quality requirements specified in the contracts.

With the intention of saving energy and expenditure on conventional lighting, the SDMC signed a contract with EESL to replace old halogen lights with LED ones and maintain them for a period of seven years. However, eight months into the contract, councillors expressed their dissatisfaction over the functioning of these lights.

Andrews Ganj councillor Abhishek Dutt (Congress) pointed out that lights of lower wattage were being used to save power. “This reduces the area being lit by the lights. Ninety per cent of roads are poorly lit and have significant dark spots, encouraging criminal elements in some localities,” he said.

During the House meeting Friday, the Congress demanded that EESL’S contract be terminated and a CBI inquiry into the contracts.

Leader of the House Subhash Arya said the company will be compensated for its investment “only after everyone is 100 per cent satisfied” with the lighting in their wards. “Since this kind of lighting is being tried for the first time in the country, we were not aware of the shortfalls that may arise. We will now curtail these shortcomings. The contractors will not be paid until everyone is satisfied,” said Arya.

Incidentally, the north and east corporations had rejected the scheme, stating it was an expensive proposition. The corporations will now open tenders and invite bids from private companies to replace lights in their wards.