Pune: PMC To Prepare Policy Draft To Resolve Issue Of Dangling Cable Wires

In response to persistent complaints and follow-ups by residents, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has decided to review the issue of dangling cable wires across the city. The civic body has instructed its officials to draft a comprehensive policy to address the problem, which has long been a safety hazard and an eyesore for residents.

Residents have raised concerns over the risks of loosely hanging wires, including accidents, electrical hazards and obstruction of public spaces. PMC has instructed the municipal administration to prepare a policy on hazardous overhead cables in the city. PMC is not levying any fees for such overhead wires and has no data or record of these cables. On the other hand, the civic body has mandatory rules, regulations and fees for laying underground cables, with a cost of ₹600 for every metre of cable wire excavation.

Rupesh Ram Kesekar, a resident of Guruwar Peth, said, "Due to my regular follow-ups regarding this issue, the Pune Municipal Commissioner has ordered the drafting of a policy for overhead illegal cables, which raises potential risks for humans as well as birds. I'm expecting a good policy to be drafted to make the city free from dangling wires on poles and entangled in trees."

Raja Subramani, an activist, said, "A policy on cables is definitely welcome. It is important to execute the same on the ground, as one can notice that internet cables are mostly hung on trees and can be dangerous, especially if the branches break. Some of these service providers are using streetlight poles. This can again be dangerous, as the streetlight poles are not designed for this load."

Manisha Shekatakar, head of the electric department at PMC, said, "Our team cuts all illegal and unauthorised cable wires from the electric poles of PMC; this activity is carried out every Saturday. The planning of underground cables will be done by the Road Department, and they will draft the detailed policies regarding this."

Anirudh Pavaskar, head of the road department at PMC, said, "We haven't had a detailed meeting regarding the issue. The policies could be drafted after having a detailed discussion on the subject."