Every evening, residents of a key road in Gurugram brace for a familiar fear: navigating a pitch-black stretch where streetlights were promised but never arrived. The reason isn't a lack of funds or technical hurdles — it's a blame game between two government authorities, GMDA and HSVP, each insisting the other must install the lights. For the people living here, the darkness has become a daily hazard, with multiple accidents already reported.
Who is responsible for the streetlights? The dispute explained
The Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) and the Haryana Shahari Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP) are at the centre of this impasse. The road in question falls in a grey area of jurisdiction: GMDA claims it is not its responsibility because the road was developed by HSVP, while HSVP argues that maintenance and lighting fall under GMDA's purview. This bureaucratic deadlock has left the road without any streetlights, despite repeated complaints from residents and local representatives.
Why this matters: Safety risks and daily life in the dark
For residents, the dispute is not an abstract administrative issue — it is a daily threat. Commuters, including women and elderly people, have reported near-miss accidents and fear of crime in the unlit stretch. "We have to use torchlights on our phones just to walk to the main road. It's terrifying, especially for women returning late from work," a resident told local media. The lack of lighting has also led to minor vehicle collisions, with no official count available but multiple incidents confirmed by locals.
How the situation developed: A timeline of inaction
Residents have been raising the issue for months, filing complaints with both GMDA and HSVP. Initially, the road was developed by HSVP as part of a new sector. When streetlights were not installed, residents approached GMDA, which said it only maintains lights on roads it has taken over. HSVP, in turn, said it does not install streetlights on roads that are not under its active maintenance. The result: a perfect bureaucratic stalemate, with no authority willing to take the first step.
Who is affected: Real people, real consequences
The impact is most severe for daily commuters, students, and women. Schoolchildren returning home in the evening have to walk in darkness. Auto-rickshaw drivers avoid the stretch after sunset. Elderly residents have stopped stepping out after 7 PM. The road, which connects several residential colonies, has become a no-go zone after dark, isolating the community and increasing dependence on private vehicles.
Official responses: GMDA and HSVP statements
When contacted by local reporters, a GMDA official stated, "The road was built by HSVP. We only install streetlights on roads that are handed over to us after completion." An HSVP official countered, "Our role is limited to developing the basic infrastructure. Streetlight installation and maintenance are the responsibility of the civic authority, which is GMDA." Neither side has proposed a solution or agreed to a joint effort.
Why this dispute keeps happening: A deeper look at Gurugram's governance gaps
This is not an isolated incident. Gurugram's rapid expansion has created multiple overlapping jurisdictions — GMDA, HSVP, MCG, and the district administration — each with unclear boundaries. Roads, drainage, and streetlights often fall into these grey zones, leaving residents to suffer while authorities argue over paperwork. Urban planning experts have repeatedly called for a single unified civic body for Gurugram, but political and administrative hurdles have prevented any reform.
Confirmed facts vs what remains unclear
Confirmed: The road lacks streetlights. Both GMDA and HSVP have denied responsibility. Residents have filed complaints. Accidents have been reported. Unclear: The exact number of accidents. Whether any higher authority (state government, deputy commissioner) has been formally approached. The timeline for any potential resolution. No official data on the road's length or the number of affected households is publicly available.
Risks and balanced view: Who is right?
From a legal standpoint, both authorities may have valid arguments based on existing rules. GMDA's mandate is to maintain infrastructure that has been formally handed over. HSVP's role is to develop new sectors, not to provide long-term maintenance. However, critics argue that this technicality should not override public safety. "The authorities are hiding behind rules while people are at risk. They need to find a temporary solution immediately," said a local activist. The dispute also raises questions about accountability in Gurugram's fragmented governance system.
Wider trend: Gurugram's infrastructure blame game
This case is part of a larger pattern in Gurugram, where multiple authorities — GMDA, HSVP, MCG, and the district administration — often pass the buck on basic civic issues. From potholes to sewage, residents frequently face delays because no single agency takes ownership. Urban experts say this is a direct consequence of Gurugram's unplanned growth and the lack of a unified municipal corporation for the entire city.
What residents can do now
Residents can escalate the issue by filing a formal complaint with the Gurugram Deputy Commissioner's office, which has the authority to intervene in inter-departmental disputes. They can also approach the Haryana State Human Rights Commission if safety concerns are not addressed. Local RWAs (Resident Welfare Associations) can coordinate to submit a joint petition. Social media campaigns tagging senior officials may also help build pressure.
Future outlook: What could happen next
Without intervention from higher authorities, the stalemate is likely to continue. The state government may need to issue a clear directive on jurisdiction for such roads. Alternatively, a joint committee of GMDA and HSVP could be formed to resolve the issue. However, given the history of such disputes in Gurugram, a quick resolution seems unlikely unless public pressure forces action.
Our Take
This is not just a story about streetlights — it is a symptom of a broken urban governance model. Gurugram's residents are paying the price for administrative fragmentation that no one is willing to fix. While both GMDA and HSVP may be technically correct, they are morally wrong to leave citizens in the dark. The state government must step in, not just for this road, but to create a clear, unified system for all civic infrastructure in the city. Until then, stories like this will keep repeating — and residents will keep suffering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there no streetlights on this Gurugram road?
Because GMDA and HSVP are in a dispute over which authority is responsible for installing and maintaining streetlights on this particular road. Both have denied responsibility, leaving the road dark.
Who is responsible for streetlights in Gurugram?
Generally, GMDA is responsible for streetlights on roads that have been formally handed over to it. HSVP is responsible for developing new sectors but not for long-term maintenance. The dispute arises when a road falls in a grey area between these two jurisdictions.
What can residents do if their road has no streetlights?
Residents can file complaints with the Gurugram Deputy Commissioner's office, approach the Haryana State Human Rights Commission, or coordinate with their RWA to submit a joint petition. Social media campaigns can also help build pressure.
Is this a common problem in Gurugram?
Yes. Due to multiple overlapping civic authorities (GMDA, HSVP, MCG), disputes over responsibility for basic infrastructure like streetlights, roads, and drainage are common in Gurugram.
