Tangled Wires, Tough Action: PCMC Warns Cable Operators

PIMPRI : Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Commissioner Dr. Vijay Suryawanshi has warned cable operators of strict action if unauthorised overhead cables are not removed immediately, citing public safety and the visual clutter caused by cables strung on trees, electric poles, buildings and footpaths.

At a meeting with cable operators at the PCMC headquarters on Monday, Suryawanshi said operators must obtain the required permissions under telecom laws and municipal regulations before laying cables.

The civic body plans to shift the city’s cable network underground within the next year. Suryawanshi said PCMC has around 610 km of underground cable pipe network and will provide access to operators at nominal rates to encourage the transition.

Operators have also been directed to remove unused and disconnected cables. If unauthorised cables are not removed voluntarily, the civic administration will take action and may disconnect the concerned connections, he said.

Deputy Mayor Sharmila Babar, ruling party leader Prashant Shitole and Opposition Leader Bhausaheb Bhoir also urged operators to follow regulations and cooperate with the civic body.

PCMC is preparing a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) covering cable-laying permissions, underground infrastructure, removal of unauthorised cables and disposal of unused networks. Officials also briefed operators on the proposed system through a presentation.