Defunct high-mast lights leave Nazira streets in darkness, residents demand repairs

NAZIRA, July 7, 2026 — High-mast (Hi-Max) lights installed at various locations across Nazira town nearly seven years ago for public convenience have remained non-functional for a prolonged period, causing inconvenience to residents, pedestrians and business owners.

The costly lighting systems, installed to improve visibility and public safety, have fallen into disrepair, forcing people to navigate several parts of the town in darkness after sunset.

According to sources, around 10 high-mast lights were installed in Nazira under a centralised initiative of the Directorate of Municipal Administration, Assam, based in Guwahati. Each unit reportedly cost more than Rs 1 lakh. However, many of the lights began malfunctioning soon after installation due to alleged poor quality, and most are now completely defunct.

Expressing strong resentment, local residents alleged that the lack of proper maintenance and timely repairs of these government-funded installations has led to the present situation. They urged the Nazira Municipal Board to take immediate steps to repair and restore the lights.

When contacted, municipal authorities said the lights had been installed under a centralised scheme and that the agency responsible for maintenance across Assam had not undertaken repairs after the expiry of the five-year maintenance period. Officials added that restoring each high-mast light could cost around Rs 20,000.

Responding to public demand, the Nazira Municipal Board has reportedly initiated communication with the concerned Guwahati-based agency to carry out the repairs at the board's own expense.

Meanwhile, residents have also expressed concern that the prolonged failure of the street lighting system has increased the risk of theft and other criminal activities in the town during the night.