After years of walking through dark streets after sunset, residents of Kuruthang town in Punakha can soon expect brighter, safer nights. The installation of solar-powered streetlights and CCTV cameras is underway, bringing long-awaited improvements to public safety and convenience.
For years, this is what nights in Kuruthang have looked like.
Once the sun sets, residents rely on lights from nearby buildings or passing vehicles to find their way.
That is now beginning to change. Work to install around 150 solar-powered LED streetlights and more than 20 high-resolution CCTV cameras has been underway since March.
Nearly all streetlight poles have already been erected, and workers are now installing the lights and CCTV cameras.
Officials say the new facilities are expected to deter theft, reduce public disturbances and make it easier for people to move around at night. For many residents, it also means they can finally enjoy an evening walk with greater peace of mind.
“Earlier, when there were no streetlights, fights among young people were more common. The darkness also created opportunities for people to drink alcohol and abuse substances in public. I believe the installation of streetlights will help address some of these issues, especially those involving our youth. It will also reduce the burden of police personnel,” said Kado, a resident of Khuruthang Town, Punakha.
“With the installation of streetlights and CCTV cameras, I believe our town will be much brighter at night. It will help reduce the risk of theft and make people feel safer and more comfortable. We will also be able to walk around at night with the same sense of convenience and security that we enjoy during the daytime,” said Kado, a resident of Khuruthang Town, Punakha.
“There have also been complaints about people falling into holes along the footpaths due to the lack of street lighting. Of course, I cannot say that all these problems will be solved after the installation of streetlights. However, I am confident that they will help address around 90 per cent of such issues and make the town much safer and more convenient for the public,” said Namgay Tshering, Thromde Ngotshab, Khuruthang Thromde, Punakha.
According to officials, about 70 per cent of the work has been completed, with the project scheduled for completion by the end of September.
The Indian Government, under the High Impact Community Development Project, is funding a project worth over Nu 17 M.
Home to over 10,000 people, Kuruthang continues to grow, with residents hoping this marks the beginning of more infrastructure improvements in the town.
Changa Dorji, Punakha
Edited by Sonam Pem
