Lack of Street Lights in Pune Raises Safety Concerns; Police Urge Immediate Action from PMC

Pune, 24th December 2024: The absence of street lights in key public areas has raised significant concerns about women’s safety in Pune. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has been instructed to install adequate lighting on streets and in deserted locations to address these issues. However, it has come to light that the PMC has not acted on the recommendations, as several of the identified areas fall under the jurisdiction of other government departments.

Despite a review meeting held by the Police Commissioner on 29th September to address women’s safety under the Women Vigilance Committee, incidents of crime continue to occur. Just five days after the meeting, the city was rocked by the rape of a young woman at Bopdev Ghat, underscoring the urgent need for preventive measures.

In recent weeks, the city has also witnessed a rise in robberies, particularly in secluded areas. Victims have reported being attacked and robbed of valuables such as mobile phones and jewelry. Those who resisted faced brutal assaults, prompting the police to emphasize the need for better lighting in isolated locations.

The police have provided the PMC with a detailed list of deserted areas requiring immediate attention, including Bopdev Ghat, hills, riverbeds, and other government-controlled lands. However, these locations largely fall under the jurisdiction of the Forest Department, Irrigation Department, or Revenue Department, restricting the PMC’s ability to install street lights without special permissions.

The PMC clarified that it has installed street lights in municipal areas within its jurisdiction, such as the Taljai Hill area and portions of Bopdev Ghat Road. The Electricity Department also confirmed that lighting arrangements have been made on Ghat roads within PMC limits following the Bopdev Ghat incident.

In a meeting chaired by the Police Commissioner, the PMC was tasked with providing a report to the Women’s Help Desk outlining the measures taken to improve lighting in these areas. However, the PMC has yet to submit the report. Following this delay, the police have issued a formal reminder to the PMC, seeking immediate updates on the implementation of these safety measures.