Chennai: For residents navigating the streets of Avadi after sunset, spotting a dangling electrical cable or avoiding a pothole has become difficult because of non-functional streetlights. With the northeast monsoon bringing rain and waterlogging, poorly lit roads in Pattabiram, Thandurai, Paruthipattu and Thirumullaivoyal have raised concerns over road safety in the proximity.The problem has been persisting for the past four months, despite the corporation replacing old streetlights with LED lights about six months ago. In May, Avadi Corporation had awarded a ₹22-crore contract to a private company to maintain streetlights across its four zones, with the aim of improving maintenance and making it easier for residents to report faults.When the lights were installed, QR codes were placed on streetlight poles and holders to help identify their locations and track complaints. A dedicated mobile number was also provided for residents to report faulty lights, with the contractor expected to resolve complaints within 48 hours. However, residents say that the corporation officials and the private contractor do not answer the texts or calls.Currently, in Avadi Corporation limits, there are more than 26,000 streetlights across 5,256 streets, out of which at least 3,000 streetlights across different areas remain dysfunctional.T Sadagopan, president of the Tamil Nadu Progressive Consumer Welfare Association, said the system had failed to address residents’ concerns. “For years now, there has been no proper way to raise a complaint with Avadi Corporation. Streetlights either remain lit throughout the day or do not work at all. When we complain about it to the ward councilors, they say that the issue is raised during council meetings. But so far, no proper action is taken to solve the issue,” he said.J Jayakumar, secretary of the Tamil Nadu Progressive Consumer Welfare Association, said, “Frequent power cuts in Avadi are adding to the difficulties faced by residents, particularly in low-lying areas during the monsoon. Power outages last up to four to five hours, disrupting household activities and affecting small businesses, while poor lighting makes it difficult for people to return home safely after work.”Despite several attempts, Avadi Corporation commissioner L Ambica was unavailable for comment.
