Residents of Sector 10 and 11 in New Panvel have raised concerns over the lighting schedule in local parks, where newly installed decorative lights remain switched on until dawn, even after the parks are closed. While the installation of the attractive lights two months ago was initially welcomed, citizens are now urging the Panvel Municipal Corporation to revise the lighting schedule to prevent energy wastage.

The parks, which were earlier dimly lit and had received complaints about poor visibility, now boast bright yellow lights that have significantly enhanced their ambience. However, locals argue that these lights should not remain on through the night once the parks are closed to the public.

“There is no objection to the lighting system itself—we’re happy the parks are brighter and safer in the evenings. But there’s no justification for keeping all the lights on till morning,” said a Sector 11 resident. “It’s a misuse of electricity and taxpayers’ money.”

Residents have suggested a return to the previous practice of keeping only the basic white lights on after 9 PM for minimal security lighting. The continuation of full lighting throughout the night has not only raised questions about unnecessary electricity bills but also about enabling antisocial behavior in the late hours.

Citizens are now demanding that the Panvel Municipal Corporation introduce an automatic timer or schedule to switch off decorative lighting after park hours, ensuring responsible energy use and discouraging potential misuse of public spaces during the night.