The BMC’s Rs 1,700 crore Mumbai beautification project faces a setback as decorative lights installed since October 2022 across key areas have begun to malfunction. The decorative lights were installed on the street lights and many of them on prominent roads and flyovers have stopped working. This malfunction is blamed on the street lights' inability to cater to increased power load, unsuitable wiring, and damage from illegal political hoardings. BMC Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal assures resolution within two weeks. Critics question the expenditure's priority over essential facilities and advocate FIRs against illegal banners. Others blame improper planning by the BMC and suggest redirecting funds for public services.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) ambitious 1,700 crore Mumbai Beautification Project encounters its first hurdle as decorative lights installed across street lights face malfunctions. The malfunctioning lights are present across vital areas like the Western Express Highway, Santacruz Chembur Link Road, and internal roads in various suburbs, prompting concerns.
These lights were installed on street lights across Mumbai from October 2022 as part of the beautification project. It consisted of lights depicting butterflies, peacocks, and LED lights, wrapped around streetlight poles. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde allocated the budget in September 2022, assigning Rs. 30 crores to each of Mumbai's 24 wards for beautification and illumination. BMC, in the first six months post-announcement, spent 720 crores on the city's cosmetic makeover, with Rs. 275 crores dedicated to illumination alone by March 2023. An additional monthly budget of Rs. 50 crores aimed to cover the incurred power bills during the process.
Just within a year, the inspection reveals that the LED lights, including those artistically shaped as butterflies and peacocks, cease to function partially or entirely. During the monsoons, the lights were intentionally kept shut to prevent untoward incidents. However, upon resuming operation, certain lights failed to switch on.
The blame is directed along multiple lines. According to BMC officials, the earlier wiring was synchronized with traditional street lights. It proves insufficient for the added load of decorative lights. After consulting Adani Electricity, officials revealed the need for additional cabling, requiring permissions for digging and laying wires, particularly along highways. But this is not possible.
BMC Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal acknowledges the issue, assuring corrective measures within two weeks. Some civic officials suggest that since the project is within the 'defect liability period' (DLP), contractors are responsible for repairs. Contractors have been instructed to address these issues promptly, considering the project's two-year DLP.
Some cite the illegal political banners, tied with metal strings to light poles as the main reason behind damage to LED lights and wiring. Advocate Trivankumar Karnani has stressed the need for FIRs against those erecting illegal banners on lights funded by public money.
The project's hefty expenditure, totalling 720 crores, raises concerns among activists and citizens. The malfunctioning lights not only hinder the beautification project but also spark a broader conversation about civic priorities and financial allocations. Activist Kamlakar Shenoy questions the lack of planning in the beautification drive and asks for prioritization of basic facilities like public hospitals and schools. Social activist Cheryll Pereira proposes redirecting funds to address the city's garbage problem rather than additional beautification.
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