Lack of street lights on newly constructed Sadarghat Bridge sparks concerns over rising anti-social activities

The newly constructed Sadarghat bridge in Silchar has become a cause for concern as the absence of lighting infrastructure plunges the area into darkness, leading to a surge in anti-social activities.

Pedestrians traversing the Sadarghat bridge are facing significant challenges due to the lack of electricity services and street lights. The absence of street light has created an opportune environment for some individuals to engage in anti-social behavior, causing chaos and unrest in the vicinity.

Over the past 3 to 4 months, the bridge has become a hotspot for revelry involving alcohol and drugs, disrupting the sleep of local residents. Young individuals, taking advantage of the darkness, gather on the footpath of the bridge, indulging in substance abuse and harassing pedestrians. The area is strewn with liquor bottles, drug containers, and discarded syringes, adding to the deterioration of the public space.

The situation has escalated to the point where women and young girls face challenges while moving on the bridge. Locals have expressed their concerns, revealing that incidents of unconscious individuals lying on the Sadarghat bridge have become a daily occurrence. Pedestrians, especially women, report harassment by intoxicated individuals during their travels.

The gravity of the situation prompted locals to approach the media on Thursday, highlighting the urgent need for intervention. Residents have urged the administration to take immediate measures to address the escalating anti-social activities and install lighting infrastructure on the Sadarghat bridge. They stress the importance of creating a safer environment for pedestrians, particularly women and young girls, who have become targets for unsolicited comments and harassment.