Power crisis limits Surat’s Diwali lighting: Civic body restricts diwali lighting to 11 river bridges, saving ₹60 lakh in public funds

Amid the ongoing power crisis in Gujarat, the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) has decided to scale back its Diwali lighting arrangements as a cost-saving measure. This year, decorative lighting will be limited to around 11 river bridges across the city.

Every year, the civic body illuminates various zonal offices and community halls during Diwali. However, these locations will not be included in this year’s arrangements.

The decorative lights will remain switched on from 6 pm to midnight on regular days. On Diwali, however, the lighting will remain on throughout the day.

Standing Committee chairman Rajan Patel said the estimated cost of the lighting arrangements was ₹72 lakh last year. This year, the civic body will pay only ₹10.50 lakh as rent for the arrangements.