LUCKNOW, Oct. 13 -- Despite repeated instructions from municipal commissioner Gaurav Kumar to ensure all streetlights are repaired ahead of the Diwali season, several residential and commercial areas in Lucknow continue to remain in darkness due to dysfunctional or missing lights.

With just a week left for the festivities, on-ground conditions present a picture of civic negligence as residents struggle with unsafe, poorly lit roads.

During recent review meetings, the municipal commissioner had directed officials to inspect every zone and fix faulty streetlights. However, a ground check by Hindustan Times on Saturday night revealed that many areas continue to face persistent darkness. Commuters and residents said that despite multiple co...