Dense winter fog has severely reduced visibility in Dehradun, but the crisis has been compounded by a more persistent problem: large stretches of the city's major roads remain plunged into darkness due to non-functional streetlights. This dangerous combination has sparked serious road safety concerns among residents and daily commuters.
Commuters Voice Frustration Over Dark Stretches
On Thursday, harried commuters reported extremely poor lighting along several crucial arteries, including the Haridwar Bypass Road, Rajpur Road, and Gandhi Road. The issue has taken on a grim urgency following the death of a morning walker in a hit-and-run accident near the Mussoorie diversion earlier this week.
Residents highlighted that significant portions of Rajpur Road, including areas close to the former President's estate, have been without light for several months. "The road is popular with early morning walkers and joggers, and with fog further reducing visibility, commuting became extremely difficult on Thursday," said Akash Dewan, a concerned local. He emphasized that entry points into the state capital, at the very least, should be properly illuminated.
Overlapping Jurisdictions and Official Responses
The responsibility for streetlights in Dehradun is split between different agencies, which often leads to confusion. While the Dehradun Municipal Corporation (DMC) handles most areas, important stretches like Rajpur Road and Gandhi Road fall under the Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA). Other areas, such as Mohkampur and Ballupur, are managed by the national highway division of the Public Works Department.
Municipal Commissioner Namami Bansal stated that the situation is improving. "The situation has improved and complaints are being addressed regularly," Bansal said. Officials noted that the number of complaints has dramatically fallen from nearly 10,000 to about 100-150 after the DMC recently took over operations from a third-party maintenance agency.
Meanwhile, MDDA officials explained they assumed maintenance of lights on certain roads following beautification work under Smart City projects.
Public Safety Takes a Backseat
Despite official claims, citizens on the ground report a different reality. Cab driver Sudhir Rana pointed out the dark conditions on the Mohkampur flyover along the Haridwar Bypass Road. "Main roads where vehicles tend to speed must be properly lit for the safety of both pedestrians and motorists," Rana asserted. He expressed dismay that the state capital is grappling with such a fundamental civic issue.
The overlapping jurisdictions continue to be a major pain point for public safety. A local resident summed up the frustration, noting that while departments may shift responsibility, it is the public that endures the risks of poorly lit roads, especially during hazardous winter conditions. The call for immediate, coordinated action to light up Dehradun's dark stretches is growing louder by the day.
