PMC’s project to replace streetlights to save on power bills hangs in balance

Pune: Launched to save expenses on electricity consumption, the civic body’s plan to change streetlight fittings has hit an air pocket.
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) administration had joined hands with MAHAPREIT — Mahatma Phule Renewable Energy and Infrastructure Technology Limited. The streetlights were to be replaced with LED lamps. But after getting a few LED fittings, the project has hit a roadblock.The administration is now planning to spend Rs6 crore and give the project to private hands.
“We have approached state govt after its subsidiary company has expressed its inability to provide streetlights. PMC has placed light poles at different locations. The administration is unable to provide the service as the fittings are not available,” said Sriniwas Kandul, the head of PMC’s electrical department.
He said in the absence of supply of fittings from the subsidiary firm and through other government initiatives, the department has sought permission from the municipal commissioner’s office to allow procurement through our department. Nearly 14,500 fittings are to be bought.
According to PMC officials, they undertook the revamp project for improving the street lights. Around 60,0000 old ones were to be replaced with new LED lights. The civic administration was to spend Rs20 crore on it. But only around 8,000 fittings have been replaced in the past two years.
The civic areas have around 1.5 lakh street lights. PMC was hoping to save 15% of electricity consumption through this initiative.
PMC has carried out an audit of the street lights to avoid any likely mishap, electrocution or short circuit in public places. The move was also aimed at reducing expenses over electricity consumption. If repaired on time, the maintenance cost on street lights will be reduced.
Activists claimed that the project was an example of poor management and research on the part of PMC. The officials concerned should be taken to task.