LDF threatens stir against Kochi Corporation as street lights fail and ads stay

The Opposition Left Democratic Front (LDF) is set to launch a protest against what it describes as the continuing neglect by the Kochi Corporation in ensuring the proper functioning of street lights, while allowing companies entrusted with their operation and maintenance to benefit from advertisements.

At the Corporation council meeting held on September 10, the LDF raised the issue, specifically pointing to non-functional street lights on the Venduruthy Bridge, Alexander Parambithara Bridge, stretches of the Kundannoor Bridge falling under the Corporation limits, and M.G. Road. Subsequently, Mayor V.K. Minimol directed Corporation officials to remove advertisement boards from non-operational street lights with immediate effect.

V.A. Sreejith, the LDF parliamentary party leader, said advertisement boards continued to be mounted on dysfunctional street lights. “We had raised the issue at the Corporation council meeting held on August 13 as well. However, even after a month, nothing has changed on the ground. We will launch a protest against the continuing neglect of a critical issue repeatedly flagged by the Opposition,” he said.

Ms. Minimol said notices had been issued to at least two agencies concerned. However, the entire Corporation machinery had been preoccupied with a visit by three High Court judges to Brahmapuram on Friday (September 25, 2026), a regular exercise since the massive fire involving tonnes of plastic waste at the site in 2023. “We will turn our attention to the street-light issues once the visit is over. Advertisement boards on dysfunctional street lights will be removed immediately thereafter,” she said.

The Corporation is also set to convene a joint meeting with Cochin Smart Mission Limited (CSML) and the company entrusted with the operation and maintenance of street lights handed over to it by CSML. Councillors across the political spectrum alleged that repeated complaints regarding faulty street lights remained unresolved by the contractor, who, they said, had cited pending bills as an issue. “We have cleared bills worth ₹24 lakh, and pending dues will be settled as and when bills are presented. At the same time, we cannot clear the entire dues when persistent complaints regarding maintenance continue,” Ms. Minimol said.