Hyderabad: BJP corporators protest outside GHMC over streetlight failures and potholes
Hyderabad: BJP corporators from Telangana staged a symbolic protest outside the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) headquarters on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, highlighting civic issues including non-functional streetlights and pothole-ridden roads across the city.
Carrying lanterns, the corporators drew attention to widespread streetlight failures, claiming that several neighbourhoods remain in darkness after sunset, causing significant inconvenience and safety concerns for residents. The protest, held just ahead of the GHMC council meeting, saw some leaders dressed as sanitation workers to highlight the deteriorating state of city infrastructure.
The protestors also raised concerns about the poor condition of city roads, particularly the proliferation of potholes that pose risks to commuters. BJP leaders warned they would continue their agitation until the GHMC takes corrective action.
Residents across Hyderabad, including those in areas along the Outer Ring Road (ORR), have reported serious issues with street and median lighting. Some lights remain off at night, while others stay on during the day, compounding the problem and highlighting maintenance failures.
Sai Teja, a resident and social activist, shared his experience with Hyderabad Mail, stating that nearly 100 kilometers of the 160-kilometer ORR lack functional lighting. “There are many places on the ORR stretch where there is absolutely no lighting. I traveled from Peddamberpet to the airport and found no lighting throughout. On my return via Exit 5 toward Medak, around 32 kilometers had no working lights,” he said.
Sai Teja also recounted difficulties accessing emergency services during a recent trip in heavy rain. “I tried calling 14447 from two different numbers, but the number was unavailable. I had to walk to an SOS booth, which was not easily accessible. I injured my leg while crossing a barrier to reach it,” he said.
He stressed that street lighting is essential not only for road safety but also for crime prevention. “Dark spots make it easier for crimes to occur. This issue was identified as far back as 2020, yet many of those areas remain unaddressed,” he added, urging the Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MA&UD) department and the Chief Minister to act urgently.
Another commuter, Ashwini, echoed similar concerns. “There are no lights on a 3-kilometer stretch of the ORR, especially near Rajendranagar and the airport junction. The department needs to act quickly,” she said. Residents continue to call on authorities to restore the city’s lighting infrastructure, citing increasing risks to safety and the growing number of accidents and incidents in dark, poorly maintained areas.
