LUCKNOW, Jan. 26 -- Despite several assurances from Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) about improving streetlight infrastructure, several streets in the state capital remain in the dark. Localities in Gomti Nagar, Aashiyana, Aliganj, Indira Nagar and several other pockets were either poorly lit or in the dark during a visit by this reporter on Saturday. In Gomti Nagar Extension and parts of Vibhuti Khand, long internal roads and service lanes plunged into darkness soon after sunset. Similar complaints were stated by people in Aashiyana's Sector L, Aliganj's Kapoorthala and Kursi Road areas, where non-functional streetlights have become a regular problem rather than an exception. "Streetlights either remain switched off or have not been repaired even after repeated complaints. It feels unsafe to step out after dark," said Abhishek Shukla from Aliganj. Akash Verma from Indira Nagar said the ground reality sharply contradicted LMC's claims of routine maintenance and monitoring of streetlights. The Lucknow Municipal Corporation directly manages the city's streetlight system, including installation, operation and maintenance. Officials have repeatedly stated that a centralised monitoring mechanism is in place and that faulty lights are being repaired promptly. Roop Kumar Sharma, a social worker, said poor street lighting not only increased the risk of accidents but also created opportunities for crime. "Dark stretches on arterial and internal roads lead to near-miss incidents involving two-wheelers and pedestrians, particularly in areas with ongoing construction or uneven road surfaces." Sharma demanded a ward-wise audit of streetlights and public disclosure of maintenance timelines. Meanwhile, LMC chief engineer (electrical and mechanical) Manoj Prabhat maintained that repair and maintenance drive was underway....