Ella, a popular destination renowned for its scenic beauty and vibrant tourist culture, is grappling with a significant issue—the lack of streetlights in the town and surrounding areas. This shortfall has created challenges for both tourists and residents, particularly during nighttime, raising concerns about safety and accessibility.
The absence of proper street lighting affects many who reside in hotels, guesthouses, and homestays on the outskirts of Ella. Residents frequently walk to the town for shopping, dining, and evening entertainment. However, navigating these dark pathways, including areas near the historic tunnel and within the town itself, has become increasingly hazardous.
In the face of these challenges, tourists often resort to using mobile phone flashlights and torches to find their way through poorly lit streets. Reports of harassment have also surfaced, with miscreants exploiting the inadequate lighting to create distress for visitors.
This issue has prompted urgent appeals from both tourists and members of the local tourism industry, who are calling for immediate action to enhance street lighting in Ella. They emphasize that ensuring safety and convenience for all is critical to maintaining Ella’s status as a top travel destination.
