Residents and commuters in Telaulim–Navelim are up in arms over a bizarre and frustrating street lighting issue — street lights remain switched on during the day, wasting electricity, while the Telaulim–Varca bridge has been plunged in darkness for over two months, posing a serious safety risk.
Despite repeated complaints from citizens and the Telaulim Village Panchayat, the Power Department has reportedly failed to act, leading to mounting anger among locals.
Peter V Coutinho, a senior citizen from Telaulim, expressed his frustration at the inaction.
“The street lights leading to the Telaulim–Varca bridge have not been functioning for the past two and a half months. I have personally informed the Navelim Electricity Department, but no action has been taken so far. The lack of lighting on the bridge is a serious safety hazard, especially at night,” he said.
While the bridge lies in darkness, other stretches in the area bizarrely remain fully illuminated even during the day. This unnecessary wastage of power has further angered residents.
Teddy Gracias, another local, highlighted the issue through a video clip showing street lights blazing under the afternoon sun in Telaulim. He expressed anger over the department’s negligence and urged authorities to act swiftly.
Sarpanch Freny Barreto confirmed that the Panchayat had received multiple complaints from citizens and had already informed the Power Department. “Despite repeated reminders, we have not received any response or action,” she said.
Echoing similar frustration, Deputy Sarpanch Stevan Goes said the Panchayat had been left helpless.
“We are fed up with the authorities turning a blind eye. We are not receiving any lights or materials from the department, and without these, we are unable to fix the problem ourselves. Villagers keep questioning us, but our hands are tied,” he lamented.
The dual issue of power wastage during the day and lack of safety lighting at night has put the spotlight on alleged inefficiencies within the Electricity Department. With citizen frustration growing, the demand for immediate rectification of the problem is intensifying.