Dark evenings for Tura could well become a part of history as work on the long anticipated project for proper street lighting within the town is set to finally happen.
Tura, over the past decade and more, has had minimal street lights as the town grappled with darkness. The situation in particular was dangerous as many cases of carjacking were reported within the town, with criminals using darkness to their advantage. Many parts of the town also became dens for drunkards in the absence of lights.
Carjacking in Tura has now reduced mainly due to the efforts of the West Garo Hills police, who cracked down on interstate gangs. The situation with drunkards has also improved as many of the affected colonies improvised and put up light bulbs at their own expense to ensure open drinking under the cover of darkness became more difficult.
While most parts of the town still have old electric poles, the bulbs went missing as electricity bills racked up. Attempts at putting up solar lighting in many places also failed with miscreants stealing batteries as well as solar panels.
“New lighting in the town of Tura will be set up soon. Currently poles are being erected in many areas. We will be covering Chandmari, Hawakhana and Ringrey and these will be up in a few weeks. Ringrey and Hawakhana areas may take a little longer,” confirmed Deputy Commissioner Ram Singh.
The DC added that Tura Municipal Board officials will be at work in the Tura Bazaar area surveying the street lighting situation and making repairs to those that have broken down. Many solar lights also need repair and this will also be taken up as part of the same drive.
The DC conceded that the situation, to an extent, was due to uncleared power bills. He added that many departments also face a similar predicament.
A review of the lighting situation within the town will be taken up next week with the DC adding that new lights in Chandmari and Araimile are expected to be shining in the next two weeks.
