When BBMP said the streetlight problem is ‘resolved’

by December 28, 2015 Civic

Several months ago I wrote about my attempts to get a streetlight fixed on the `model street’ of 15th Cross Malleshwaram. First some `jugaad’ work had been done by BBMP. When I complained – nothing happened. Then providence intervened in the form of a truck backing up and breaking the light – resulting in the light – still functional – leaning precariously against a fence, possibly electrifying it. An urgent complaint to the MLA’s office as well as BBMP got the job done – they removed the streetlight – and with it, the jugaad job.

Picture on August 26th 2015

They assured me that it would be replaced ‘in a few days’. Since the few days turned in to months, I decided to raise a complaint once again on ‘BBMP Sahaya’. Within a few minutes I got an SMS saying that the complaint has been RECEIVED. A few days later I got another SMS saying it has be ‘ASSIGNED’ to Mr Anand, the BBMP engineer in my ward. Then ESCALATED…. a couple of days later. Then a new SMS saying it has moved to ‘IN PROGRESS’.

Text Messages from BBMP

I was starting to get excited – it looked like they were really on the job! Then, sadly, back to ASSIGNED, then again, IN PROGRESS! Finally, early this morning I got an SMS saying it was RESOLVED and finally CLOSED! A Good Governance Day Miracle! I jumped out of bed and went to check….

Picture on December 25th 2015

 At this point I dont know whether to laugh or cry.

Related Articles

The Malleshwaram streetlight problem that BBMP couldn’t solve
The saga of the Malleshwaram street light continues…

Sections:

About Ramesh Sreekantan

Ramesh Sreekantan is a Mathematician at the Indian Statistical Institute. He takes a keen interest in cycles - both the algebraic and mechanical kind.
Read more by Ramesh Sreekantan

Comments:

  1. Anantha ramaiahbn says:
    December 29, 2015 at 4:37 am

    I complained to 22660000 on 22-12-2015 about street light not working. Still my problem has to be attended to,

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Similar Story

The right to leisure: Do Chennai parks provide respite from soaring temperatures?

by August 17, 2026 Civic
Locked gates at noon and ₹75 entry fees limit access to Chennai's parks for the people who need them most during extreme heat.

For homemaker Rani, alternate evenings are dedicated to a few rounds at the 2,456 sq m Sharma Park in Chennai's T Nagar, playfully chasing her two granddaughters across the sanded area. But there are a few things she is worried about. “It’s hot throughout the year at the park. It has unwatered, withering plants, and this area is often prone to rowdyism,” Rani says, pointing to strewn water bottles and food packets behind some benches. However, as she spends all day sweating in her kitchen, these few hours in the open air are immensely valuable. ​In an earlier article, we…

Continue reading

Similar Story

Chennai has 835 parks, but overall green spaces have shrunk

by August 12, 2026 Civic
Chennai's green spaces are shrinking with North Chennai having unequal access. Experts call for native planting, rainwater sponges and citizen action.

A flower-seller weaving mozhams of jasmine, men reading newspapers, and cackling children playing games — these are common sights across city parks. As Chennai saw temperatures cross 40°C this May, seekers of shade, couples stealing time together, and informal workers turned to parks for solace.​ Parks and open spaces are crucial for residents in congested areas, many of whom live without air conditioning. But open spaces in Chennai are shrinking. The Urban Regional Development Plans Formulation and Implementation (URDPFI) guidelines mandate 10 to 12 sq. m of open space per person, yet the Chennai Metropolitan Area has roughly just 0.65…

Continue reading