As winter sets in and Pune experiences earlier sunsets, a member of the Mohalla Committee in the Kasba-Vishrambaugwada Ward, Pune, has issued an appeal to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). In a letter dated January 10, Advocate Rafique Shaikh urges the PMC to adjust the activation timings of street lights to enhance safety during darker evenings.
Concerns Raised in the Letter:
The request letter highlights that the street lights across Pune are traditionally turned on at 7:00 pm daily and switched off around 6:00 am. However, due to the winter season, sunrise occurs later in the morning, and certain days witness dark atmospheres even after sunrise. With the sunset happening around 6:15 pm, the current street light activation time at 7:00 pm raises safety concerns, especially for vulnerable groups like children, women, senior citizens, and students.
A Plea for Timely Adjustments:
Advocate Rafique Shaikh, through the letter, appeals to the PMC to consider adjusting the street lights’ activation timings. The suggestion is to keep all street lights on for 10-15 minutes after sunrise, aligning with the changing seasons, and activate them 5 minutes before sunset.
PMC Response: Anonymity in Reply:
An anonymous official from the PMC electrical department responded to the request, stating, “We will think about it,” leaving room for potential adjustments to address the safety concerns raised by the citizen.
