MCD objects: Govt can’t transfer streetlights

Following the Delhi government’s decision to assign the maintenance of streetlights to discoms,the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has criticised the move,calling it “unconstitutional”. Citing the DMC Act of 1957,Jagdish Mamgain,chairman of the Works Committee,said as per the act,lighting in public streets and public places through lamp,lampposts and other appurtenances is the right given to the civic agency.

Mamgain also questioned the necessity of such a move,since the MCD has already given the work to discoms at Rs 73 per lamppost. The NDPL presently looks after 98,233 streetlights,while BRPL is looking after 1,39,629 streetlights. “What is the need to pass a resolution for the same when maintenance work is already with the discoms? “ he asked.

When it comes to shoddiness of work,discoms are not guilt-free either,he added. The MCD’s Electrical department recently conducted a joint inspection of streetlights alongwith discom officials and area councillors,and found that nearly 30 per cent of the lights were not working. Payment was then held back and a warning was issued.

“The right to decide who will maintain our streetlights should be decided by the MCD. The Delhi government has nothing to do for it. Discoms have already failed in delivering,so other options have to be explored,” he said.