Kalamassery Municipality has begun removing low-hanging, loosely installed and dangerously placed cables from roads and footpaths after a woman died following a serious cable-related fall in the civic limits. Municipal officials started cutting and removing hazardous cables in Ward 4 on Wednesday after cable owners failed to act on notices issued by the municipality.
The action follows the death of Pushpi Xavier, wife of Moolamkuzhi Xavier, who suffered severe injuries about two months ago in Sundaragiri, Kalamassery. Pushpi was returning with her husband from a cemetery near St Pius Church in North Kalamassery when her foot became entangled in a cable lying across the ground near the gate. She fell and hit her head, suffering heavy bleeding.
The accident left the left side of her body paralysed, according to a report by Mathrubhumi. Her family spent approximately Rs 18 lakh on hospital treatment, but she later died from her injuries. The incident prompted municipal councillors to demand the removal of cables that had been installed carelessly or left in unsafe positions across roads and pedestrian areas.
Following the demands, the municipality issued notices to the concerned cable owners. The notices directed them to remove cables that posed a danger and to raise those hanging at low levels. The municipality also instructed the operators to address cables lying dangerously along roads and footpaths.
The municipal intervention began after the notices did not result in the required action within the stated period. Officials then moved to directly remove cables considered hazardous, beginning with installations in the fourth ward. The reported action covers cables that are hanging low, lying across public pathways or otherwise creating an obstruction and risk for pedestrians.
The incident has highlighted the safety risks created when communication and service cables are installed or maintained without adequate clearance from roads, entrances and pedestrian routes. In Pushpi’s case, the cable was lying across the ground near a cemetery gate, leaving a potential trip hazard at a location used by people entering and leaving the premises.
The municipality’s current action is focused on removing dangerous cables and raising those that remain in use but are positioned too low. Further removal work in other parts of the Kalamassery municipal area will depend on the implementation of the notices and the municipality’s continuing enforcement action.
