Pune, one of India’s fastest-growing cities, is grappling with an increasing safety concern as the lack of street lighting in key public areas has raised alarms, particularly regarding women’s safety. The absence of proper lighting in deserted locales has been highlighted as a significant risk factor, with local police urging the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to address this issue promptly. Despite several recommendations for improved street lighting, the PMC has yet to act, citing jurisdictional challenges in areas managed by other government departments, such as the Forest, Irrigation, and Revenue Departments.
This issue became particularly urgent following a review meeting led by the Police Commissioner on 29th September, under the Women Vigilance Committee, which sought to improve women’s safety in the city. Despite these discussions, the city was shocked by a tragic incident just five days later—a young woman was raped at Bopdev Ghat, a secluded spot where street lighting is reportedly inadequate. This incident underscored the pressing need for immediate action on the part of civic authorities to address the lighting deficiency in high-risk areas.
Further compounding the issue, there has been a noticeable rise in robberies and violent assaults in poorly lit, isolated areas across Pune. Criminals, taking advantage of these dark spaces, have been targeting pedestrians, particularly in places like riverbeds, hills, and remote roads. Victims have reported being violently robbed of their belongings, with some facing physical assaults for resisting. This spike in crimes has prompted the police to again emphasize the urgent requirement for lighting in these secluded locations to deter such criminal activities.
While the PMC has made efforts to install street lights in municipal areas under its jurisdiction, such as Taljai Hill and parts of Bopdev Ghat Road, many high-risk locations remain without proper illumination due to administrative hurdles. The police have presented the PMC with a list of these areas, but the corporation has yet to resolve the jurisdictional complexities preventing swift action. As the situation worsens, the police have formally reminded the PMC of its duty to act, urging immediate updates on the progress of these critical safety measures.
This ongoing issue highlights a broader concern: urban safety and sustainable city planning. Sustainable urban development must account for the safety and well-being of all residents, particularly vulnerable groups. While infrastructure development has progressed in Pune, it is essential that safety measures, such as adequate street lighting, are not overlooked. Properly lit streets can serve as a deterrent to crime and significantly improve the quality of life for residents, contributing to a more secure and sustainable urban environment.
