Missing streetlights pose threat to both motorists, leopards

A pitch-dark patch on the Western Express Highway between Hotel Fountain and Dahisar toll naka

Are the authorities waiting for an accident? The question arises, as streetlights between Mira Road flyover and Ghodbunder junction are missing at frequent intervals. This poses a threat to motorists and riders, as they navigate the 5-km stretch, passing through several sharp turns. The stretch of road starts at Dahisar toll naka and ends at Hotel Fountain junction located at the start of Ghodbunder. Besides the issue of lights, debris was also dumped at a few places.

Non-functional streetlights in a part of the road

Talking to mid-day, motorist Ratnakar Sawant said, "One night, I was returning to Thane and saw that street lights were not functioning at a few places between Hotel Fountain and Dahisar toll naka on the Western Express Highway. This increases the chance of accidents. The streetlights on Kashimira flyover were also missing. I hope the authorities take note of this and start the lights at the earliest."

Leopards also use a portion of this stretch to cross over to the other side of the road. There have been accidents involving leopards and one was killed a few months back. Though the forest department has installed boards to warn about wild animals crossing the road, they are too small.

Activist Gopal Jhaveri said, "First we need an animal bypass for leopards, as they cross the road from two points. Moreover, because of a heap of debris dumped last Diwali, we lost one pregnant leopard.

The authorities should also get the non-functional streetlights repaired at the earliest to prevent accidents. They should also clear the debris from the sides of the road. For wild animals' safety, the road should be painted in green and white where they cross and big posters for wildlife should be installed."