Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has made a key decision regarding the installation and management of LED street lights across the state. The CM stated that sarpanches should be made responsible for managing all LED lights in villages.
He clarified that the Gram Panchayats must have full jurisdiction over the installation and operation of LED lights in rural areas. The CM also directed officials to prevent the misuse of lights during mornings and ensure optimum usage at night.
To streamline operations, Revanth Reddy suggested that an LED management dashboard be maintained under the control of MPDOs. The Additional Collectors will hold overall responsibility for LED light management in their respective districts.
Officials informed the CM that there are currently 16.16 lakh LED lights in villages. In some mandals, LED management is being handled by contract agencies. The CM was told that making sarpanches in charge is the best way to improve efficiency and reduce electricity wastage.
A review meeting was held at the Integrated Command Control Center, where officials from Panchayati Raj, Municipal Administration, and GHMC departments were present. The CM proposed that all LED lights in the state be connected to the Integrated Command Control Center for real-time monitoring.
Revanth Reddy also instructed officials to assess the requirement of new LED lights in newly formed panchayats, mandals, and corporations. Tenders must be floated for LED maintenance contracts.
He suggested inviting leading LED manufacturing companies to take up long-term maintenance contracts for up to 7 years. The CM called for continuous monitoring systems and also proposed third-party monitoring by IIT Hyderabad.
Currently, GHMC spends around ₹8 crore per month on street lighting. To reduce costs, the CM recommended shifting to solar-powered lights. He also directed the installation of LED lights in municipalities beyond the Outer Ring Road, as well as in core urban areas.
