Chandigarh asks CREST to remove ‘hideous’ lights installed at roundabouts

At the sector 16 roundabout, individual pillars containing four lights emitted green and red hues at night, causing concerns about their visual impact.

A heritage expert, in conversation with The Indian Express, remarked, "Not only did these lights appear displeasing, but they also clashed with the city's aesthetic character." (Express Photos by Kamleshwar Singh)

The Chandigarh administration has raised objections to the “unsightly” lights recently installed at the roundabouts of Sector 16 and Sector 35. It has directed CREST to promptly remove these lights as they were installed without permission and emit a variety of unusual colours, contradicting the heritage character of these areas.

In a recent development, approximately 30 tall pillars adorned with lights were haphazardly placed at these pivotal roundabouts, integral to the city’s aesthetic appeal and frequented by numerous visitors. At the sector 16 roundabout, individual pillars containing four lights emitted green and red hues at night, causing concerns about their visual impact.

A senior official from Chandigarh’s engineering wing, speaking to The Indian Express, stated, “The CREST indicated their interest in installing solar lights. However, they proceeded without obtaining the necessary permissions, installing these lights at the roundabouts. We’ve instructed them to remove the lights immediately, which they’ve assured will be done promptly. If they intend to install solar lights, they’re advised to consider other neighbourhood parks.”

Post-installation, local citizens began criticizing the move, labelling the lights as “ugly” and an ostentatious display. A heritage expert, in conversation with The Indian Express, remarked, “Not only did these lights appear displeasing, but they also clashed with the city’s aesthetic character.”

These lights will be installed at roundabouts of the Southern sector now

TC Nautiyal, Secretary Science and Technology, informed The Indian Express that they intend to implement this in the roundabouts of the city’s southern sectors. “It’s being done in roundabouts of the southern sector,” he mentioned. When questioned about the concept behind these lights, he elaborated, “The idea is to aesthetically utilize open spaces to enhance solar power.”

Regarding the removal of lights at sector 16 and 35 roundabouts, Nautiyal affirmed, “Yes, because these were not supposed to be installed there, being heritage areas.”

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However, he did not address queries about the financial aspects related to the installation of these solar lights.

Wanted to install roundabouts maintained by civic body too

A senior officer from the Chandigarh civic body corroborated that CREST officials had sought permission to install these lights at roundabouts under the MC’s purview. However, the officials refused, stating their objection to allowing such multi-coloured unsightly lights at their roundabouts.

Hina Rohtaki

Hina Rohtaki is a Special Correspondent at The Indian Express, based in Chandigarh. She is one of the most prominent journalists covering the Chandigarh Administration, civic issues, and the unique political status of the Union Territory. Professional Background Experience: She has been in the field for over a decade and is known for her investigative reporting on administrative waste and urban governance. Awards: She is a recipient of the prestigious Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Award, which was presented to her by the President of India in January 2020. She was also awarded the Jethmalani prize (The Will of Steel Awards) in 2025 in the Empowerment category for a series of articles that highlighted the struggles of Covid widows. Core Beat: Her primary focus is the Chandigarh administrative structure, the Union Territory's financial management, and urban development projects. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Her recent work highlights a focus on government accountability, administrative expenditures, and civic trends: 1. Investigative & Financial Reporting "Fuelling power: Senior UT IAS officers guzzled petrol worth Rs 30 lakh in 2 yrs" (Dec 14, 2025): An investigative report detailing the high fuel bills of top bureaucrats, including the Finance Secretary and Chief Secretary’s staff. "Admn spends Rs 1.5 crore on dismantling road railings and fixing again after increasing height" (Dec 8, 2025): Highlighting administrative waste on "non-viable" solutions for pedestrian control. "Chandigarh’s finances under ministry’s watch now" (Nov 27, 2025): Reporting on the new requirement for MHA approval for all new projects in the UT. 2. Governance & Constitutional Status "What will it mean for Chandigarh if it is brought under Article 240?" (Nov 24, 2025): An "Explained" piece on the potential constitutional shift that would grant the President more power over the UT's governance. "MP Manish Tewari moves Bill seeking directly elected Mayor with 5-year tenure" (Dec 6, 2025): Covering the legislative push to reform Chandigarh's municipal leadership structure. "No proposal to increase Mayor's term in Chandigarh by 5 years: Centre" (Dec 10, 2025): Reporting on the Union government's response to demands for a longer mayoral term. 3. Urban Infrastructure & Environment "Chandigarh admn cuts power to India's tallest air purifier, asks firm to dismantle it" (Nov 17, 2025): A critical report on the failure of a high-cost environmental project deemed "of no use" by experts. "UT rethinks 24/7 water supply project as costs soar" (Nov 26, 2025): Detailing the financial challenges and delays in modernizing the city's water network. "Centre 'obfuscating, covering up' MC's shifting deadlines for clearing Dadu Majra dump" (Dec 12, 2025): Reporting on the ongoing controversy surrounding the city's major waste dump. 4. Lifestyle & Local Trends "Chandigarh turns into a Thar city as women fuel the surge" (Dec 2, 2025): A feature on a unique automotive trend in the city, with a record 600 registrations by women drivers this year. "After fivefold spike in 2023, EV sales struggle to pick pace in Chandigarh" (Dec 2, 2025): Analyzing the slowdown in electric vehicle adoption despite previous surges. Signature Beat Hina is known for her meticulous tracking of RTI (Right to Information) data to expose administrative inefficiency. Her "Ground Zero" reporting on the Dadu Majra garbage dump and her scrutiny of the Chandigarh Smart City projects have made her a key figure in the city’s civil society discourse. X (Twitter): @HinaRohtaki ... Read More

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