Baleshwar: Councillors of Soro Municipality in Odisha's Baleshwar district have opened a fast-food stall in front of the municipal office gate, protesting against the delay in streetlight repairs.

Several wards of Soro town have reportedly remained without functioning streetlights for more than two years. Councillors alleged that despite repeated complaints and protests, the agency responsible for maintaining the lights has failed to carry out repairs. They also alleged that no action has been taken against the agency.

As part of their protest, councillors, led by Ward 12 councillor Rajendra Mohanty, set up the fast-food stall and announced that the money earned from it would be used to repair the defunct streetlights.

Mohanty alleged that poor-quality lights had been installed in the town and many of them stopped working within a few days. Despite repeated complaints, protests and sit-ins, repairs have not been carried out for over two years, he said.

The councillor said residents are facing difficulties because large parts of the town remain dark after evening. He also questioned the functioning of the municipal administration and alleged that the government's assurances on the issue had not been fulfilled.

Dosa was sold for Rs 30 at the protest stall, with locals visiting the spot and extending their support to the councillors' initiative. A few days ago, Mohanty had appealed through a video to residents to buy food from the stall so that the proceeds could be used to repair the faulty streetlights.

The councillor also pointed out that the district collector is currently holding the additional responsibility of Soro municipal chairperson. He said an assurance had earlier been given that streetlight repairs and installation of new lights would be completed by June 15. However, he alleged that the deadline passed without the promised work being completed.