Patna: Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has directed officials to ensure that all street lights under the Patna Municipal Corporation remain fully operational, while calling for a study on the feasibility and potential savings from converting the city’s street-light network to solar power.
Choudhary issued the directions during a review meeting on the Patna Municipal Corporation’s street-light programme on Sunday.
The meeting reviewed the availability and maintenance of existing street lights, along with proposals for the supply, installation and automation of new lighting systems.
Immediate maintenance ordered
The chief minister directed officials to undertake immediate maintenance of all existing street lights in the municipal corporation area and ensure that they remain functional.
He also instructed the Urban Development and Housing Department to issue formal directions to agencies associated with the Road Construction Department to ensure proper upkeep and regular maintenance of street lights.
New street lights to be solar-powered
Choudhary directed that new street lights installed in Patna should be solar-powered.
He specified that the solar panel, battery and lighting unit should be integrated into a single assembly, with the aim of making the system easier to operate and maintain.
The chief minister also called for a detailed study of the potential savings in electricity and other expenses if the entire street-light network within the Patna Municipal Corporation area were converted to solar power.
The concerned department has been asked to prepare and submit a report based on the findings of the study.
Focus on a cleaner, more organised Patna
Choudhary also stressed the need for a comprehensive action plan to make Patna more organised and clean.
He directed officials to pay particular attention to the surroundings of Gandhi Maidan, with the objective of improving their appearance while preserving and enhancing the area’s natural aesthetics.
Senior officials present at the meeting included Chief Minister’s Principal Secretary Deepak Kumar, Urban Development and Housing Department Principal Secretary Vinay Kumar, Chief Minister’s Secretaries Lokesh Kumar Singh and Sanjay Kumar Singh, Urban Development Department Secretary Animesh Parashar, and Municipal Commissioner Yashpal Meena.
