Illegal Cables on Poles Spark Safety Alarm in PCMC

• A woman died in Nigdi Pradhikaran after a cable got wrapped around her neck
• Shiv Sena leader seeks probe, action against telecom firms, aid for victim’s family

Pimpri : Shiv Sena District Organiser and member of the Pune Monitoring Committee, Santosh Soundankar has submitted a detailed memorandum to Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation Commissioner Dr. Vijay Suryawanshi regarding the issue of illegal cables installed on electric poles across the city.

According to the memorandum, despite the availability of underground duct facilities for optical fibre cables, several telecom and internet companies continue to lay service lines directly through electric poles. This has adversely affected the city’s appearance and increased urban clutter.

It further stated that tangled cables are hanging from flyovers, road junctions and even trees, creating a serious threat to public safety. Residents have also raised concerns over the increasing number of loose and exposed wires in busy areas.

The memorandum highlighted a tragic incident that reportedly occurred on April 28 in the Prabodhan Society area of Nigdi Sector 26, where Mrs. Sampada Patwardhan allegedly lost her life in an accident caused by a cable. It was claimed that timely action by the authorities could have prevented the mishap.

Soundankar has demanded a thorough inquiry into all illegal cable installations, strict action against those responsible, immediate removal of hazardous cables, and implementation of a permanent solution to the issue.

He has also sought financial assistance for the deceased woman’s family. In addition, dissatisfaction was expressed over the ineffective use of fibre ducts created under the Smart City initiative, urging authorities to ensure their proper utilisation.