Defunct streetlights give tough time to worshippers in Ramadan

Srinagar, Apr 8: The people from various areas of Srinagar have complained that they face inconvenience due to the non-availability of streetlights, especially during the pre-dawn and night prayers in the ongoing holy month. In many areas, the streetlights are defunct.
Arif Ahmad from HMT said that the people face inconvenience while reaching the mosques during Fajr (pre-dawn) and Isha/Taraweeh (night) prayers as the area is without streetlights.
He said a large number of street dogs on streets pose a threat to people’s lives. “Even young people are scared of dog attacks,” he said.
Another elderly person from the Shaletang area said the authorities despite being aware of the holy month did not ensure streetlights are installed and functional. “We use torches from our mobile phones, but that is not enough,” he said.
The people from downtown areas and Srinagar outskirts including Hazratbal and Zakura also complained that only a few streetlights are working while most of them have stopped working soon after installation.
“There is always an imminent threat of dog attacks in darkness. How can elderly people go to the mosque? Most people are left with no option but to offer prayers at home,” another person from Habbakadal said.
A senior official at the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) said they are looking into the issue and will start working on streetlights. (KNO)