City authorities of Kakinada, one of the coastal cities in Indian State Andhra Pradesh, has been dragging its feet at upgrading local streetlights, reported South Indian media Deccan Chronicle.

Two years ago India’s municipal administration had instructed cities and civic bodies to use LEDs to reduce power expenses, but Kakinada Municipal Corporation (KMC) has heeded the notice till recent.

Many streetlights close to the local Animal Husbandry Office road, which leads to the local railway station and New Port Railway Station have remained malfunctioning.

“As many as 40% of streetlights do not function properly,” said Bharatiya Kisan Morcha state general secretary Y. Malakondaiah. “Though I brought it to the notice of the KMC officials, the system has not been set right till now.” He claimed some city officials were colluding with electrical contractors and had neglected the streetlight upgrade project.

The central lighting system had not been completed till recent, and KMC officials have received complaints from citizens about failing streetlights at Ramaraopet, Gandhingar, Jagannaickpur and other areas. 

According to M. Suryanarayana, an executive engineer of KMC, the city has proposed introducing LEDs soon, and will be prioritizing fixing the street lighting system. “We solved most of the problems regarding street lights,” said Suryanarayana. “At present 94 per cent of street lights are functioning effectively. Remaining system can be improved soon.”