Irikkoor: The mini-mast lights, installed in Irikkoor at a cost of several lakhs of rupees, now lie in disrepair with no action taken to make them operational. These abandoned lights are located at Peruvalathu Parambu, Niduvalloor, Chedicheri, and Kuttav. These lights were installed using ₹10 lakh from the Local Area Development Fund of K Sudhakaran MP. Although the work began in 2024, progress slowed down eventually.

Even the poles were installed several months after they were brought to the sites, triggering protests from local residents. It has now been six months since the lights were installed. While the KSEB assessed the estimates and issued a demand notice to the panchayat, the contractor has yet to remit the required amount. KSEB officials attribute the delay to this non-payment. The amount to be paid for the four lights is ₹37,844.

“The apathy shown by the contractor is the main reason for the delay in making these lights operational. Steps should be taken to terminate such contractors. If there is still no action to make these lights functional, the Youth Congress will stage protests against the contracting company,” said Muhsin Kathiyod, State Secretary of the Youth Congress.