India, Oct. 27 -- Theft of cables, panel accessories and electrical fittings is one of the key reasons behind most non-functional streetlights of the Public Works Department (PWD) in the city, officials have said. PWD manages over 90,000 streetlights on the 1,400km arterial road network in Delhi.

As per data by the department, a total of 1,717 streetlights are lying dysfunctional across its network and thefts has been cited as the primary reason in places like Geeta Colony, Barapullah Loop, Dallupura, and Hindon Canal Road under the east zone. Similarly, the northwest division has also reported "regular theft" of fittings and cables.

"In some poles, wires from window to fitting and cables from pole to pole on different roads are being r...