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**Summary:**

Residents of Chennai, India, are complaining about a significant backlog of unresolved streetlight issues. Many LED streetlights are reported as being dim or faulty, leading to inadequate street illumination. The most affected zones include Alandur, Sholinganallur, Perungudi, Ambattur, and Anna Nagar. Councillors are urging the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) to speed up repairs and replacements. In some areas, residents are even requesting a reduction in streetlight height to improve illumination, particularly in narrow streets where tree branches are obstructing the light.

**News Article:**

**Chennai Residents Plunged into Darkness as Streetlight Complaints Pile Up**

**CHENNAI, INDIA -** Residents across Chennai are facing increasing challenges due to a growing number of unresolved streetlight complaints, leaving many streets dimly lit or completely dark. The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) is facing mounting pressure from residents and local councillors to address the backlog of over 300 pending streetlight repairs.

Complaints range from dim LED lights to complete failures, with zones such as Alandur, Sholinganallur, Perungudi, Ambattur, and Anna Nagar being particularly affected. Anbumani, a resident of Pattaravakkam, stated that eight streetlight fittings on a single road in his area require urgent restoration. “The LED streetlights are dull. Maintenance is poor,” he said.

R. Narayanan of Madipakkam echoed these concerns, citing inadequate illumination on several streets in his locality due to the dullness of the streetlights.

Local councillors are now demanding swift action from the GCC. Ward 84 Councillor J. John said residents complain about lengthy delays in replacing LED streetlight fittings, despite numerous complaints being lodged.

Ward 104 Councillor T.V. Shemmozhi highlighted a unique request from residents in his area. “Residents want the height of the existing 6.6-metre-tall LED streetlights be reduced to five metres to improve illumination,” he explained. This is particularly pertinent in narrow streets where tree branches often obstruct the light. A similar initiative undertaken in Anna Nagar Sixth Avenue in 2023, where streetlight height was reduced, reportedly improved illumination on narrow streets. Residents are now calling for 321 new streetlight poles with reduced height on the stretch from Anna Nagar Eleventh Main Road to 21st Main Road. While the tender for this project has been floated, the work has been delayed for six months, according to Shemmozhi.

The delay in resolving these issues is raising concerns about public safety and security, particularly during nighttime hours. Residents are hoping for a swift response from the GCC to rectify the situation and restore proper street lighting across the city.

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