Navigating Bureaucracy: How to Get Street Lights Installed for a Factory Near a Village

Hello fellow members of Cite HR,

One of my friends is working in a factory near a village in Gujarat (the factory is not in "GAM TAL"), but they are submitting PT in the Gram Panchayat.

Issue with Street Lighting

Now, the outside road of the factory to the highway does not have street lights. It becomes totally dark and hazardous to walk there at night, with fears of snake bites or accidents. They have requested the 'Talati' to help with the situation and allow them to get the street lights installed. However, they were informed that this issue does not fall under their jurisdiction.

Attempts to Resolve the Issue

They have also attempted to reach the Taluka (District) level. Officials there mentioned that maintaining the road is their responsibility, but installing street lights is the Gram Panchayat's duty.

Please guide on which government authority they need to contact to have the street lights installed.

Dear Maulik Dave,

In India, the responsibility for street lighting and road maintenance may vary based on the local administrative structure. Here are the steps your friend can take to address the issue:

Contact Gram Panchayat:

Since your friend has already approached the Gram Panchayat, they should continue to engage with them. They can request a meeting or submit a written complaint highlighting the safety concerns and the need for street lights. The Gram Panchayat may coordinate with relevant authorities or allocate funds for the installation of street lights.

Taluka (Taluka Development Officer - TDO):

If the Gram Panchayat claims that street lights are not under their jurisdiction, your friend can approach the Taluka level. They can contact the Taluka Development Officer (TDO) or the relevant officer responsible for infrastructure development in the Taluka. Submitting a formal written request and having a meeting to discuss the safety concerns can be helpful.

District Collector's Office:

If the Taluka level authorities are unable to address the issue, your friend may escalate the matter to the District Collector's office. The District Collector is a senior administrative officer responsible for the overall administration of the district. They may be able to guide your friend to the appropriate department or take necessary action.

Local MLA or MP:

Your friend can also reach out to the local Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) or Member of Parliament (MP) representing their constituency. These elected representatives can advocate for local issues and facilitate communication with the relevant authorities.

Municipal Corporation or Municipal Council:

If the village is part of a larger municipal area, your friend may need to contact the Municipal Corporation or Municipal Council responsible for that area. They can inquire about the process for installing street lights on the road leading to the highway.

Public Works Department (PWD):

The Public Works Department at the Taluka or District level might have jurisdiction over road infrastructure. Your friend can check with them regarding the installation of street lights, especially if the road is a public thoroughfare.

It's important for your friend to document their efforts, maintain records of communications, and follow up consistently to ensure the issue is addressed. If none of the local authorities take appropriate action, they may consider seeking legal advice or involving local NGOs working on civic issues.

Thanks

Determining the Responsible Authority for Street Lighting

The authority responsible for your area can be identified through the property tax document. The entity charging you property tax is obligated to provide street lighting.

Lighting is not provided on all roads in India. It is typically available in inhabited areas and on main arterial roads. Therefore, while you can request street lighting, it is not guaranteed that it will be installed.

You might consider whether you and other factory owners in the area can jointly fund the lighting until the main road.