UP officers to be fined for streetlights during the day

Anant: Uttar Pradesh, governed by young Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, has tried to be innovative about dealing with its power shortage.

First, there was a government order to shut down malls and restaurants at 8 in the evening, which was withdrawn in less than 24 hours, after angry protests by shopkeepers and customers.

Now, officials will be fined if streetlights anywhere in the state are found working during the day.

Azam Khan, the state's Urban Development Minister, has ordered that Municipal Commissioners will have to pay up 20,000 rupees if a complaint is received about power being supplied to streetlights before dusk. Executive Officers of Nagar Palikas (district-level civic bodies) and Nagar Panchayats (town-level civic bodies) too will not be spared. They will be fined Rs 10,000 and Rs 5000 respectively.

UP faces an average power deficit of 2500 to 3000 MWs every day.  Last month, the state was accused of drawing more than its quota from a power supply grid, contributing to two of India's largest power blackouts on consecutive days.