Evening walks at the scenic Baranti lake have become a nightmare for tourists as many of the 200-odd LED solar streetlights have been vandalised or stolen by youths who drink openly and often pass lewd remarks at visitors.

In 2016, the district administration had installed the lights as part of a beautification drive. Each light has rechargeable battery cells.

Baranti is a small tribal village in the lap of the Gorongi hill. The village was explored as a tourist destination 10 years ago because of its proximity to the Baranti reservoir. The lake is a paradise for birds and bird-watchers, and tourists are known to enjoy evening strolls by the lake.

However, over the past few years Baranti has witnessed a spurt in youths, mostly from neighbouring villages, openly drinking beside the lake and harassing tourists after sundown. They have been accused by residents of stealing the LED lights along with the batteries.

Anirban Sen, who runs an ayurvedic medicine shop in Barrackpore and recently toured Baranti with his family, said he had a bitter experience. “I was shocked to see some youths drinking openly near the lake. They passed lewd remarks at me and my family. We returned to our resort immediately,” he said.