Valsad: Motorists, tourists face problem as street lights remain switched off, no facility despite levying Rs 9 crore tax

There is resentment against the municipality on the issue of street lights in Valsad city. All the major roads in the city except Tithal Road and Gaurav Path are covered in darkness. Due to the closure of the street lights, the employees, train-bus passengers and bikers have to face problems while commuting late at night. The risk of accidents has increased due to cattle and potholes sitting on the road during the monsoon. Citizens and property holders have made several complaints. Yet no action has been taken by the municipality. According to municipal data, more than 50 per cent of property holders have paid taxes. A total of Rs 9 crore has been recovered. However, the street light system in the city is in shambles. Expensive street lights installed on bus stand char road and station road have also gone off on counting days. Locals believe that the municipality is only doing odd jobs. Citizens demand that the municipality immediately review the street lights. Create a proper lighting system on all the main roads. Keep the promise of providing basic amenities to the citizens in exchange for property tax.