Pune residents have voiced growing concerns over the proliferation of loose cables scattered across footpaths and hanging precariously from poles in various parts of the city.
Despite assurances from Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) officials regarding the safety of these cables, residents remain apprehensive, highlighting the potential risks posed to pedestrians and two-wheeler riders. While PMC authorities assert that these cables do not carry high voltages and therefore do not pose an immediate risk of electrocution, residents argue that the distinction between harmless cables and live power lines is not always apparent to the general public. According to representatives from residents’ associations, the haphazard placement of cables increases the likelihood of accidents, with pedestrians at risk of tripping and two-wheelers vulnerable to entanglement.
Members of the Vimannagar Citizens Forum and Mohammadwadi-Undri Residents’ Welfare Development Foundation have been actively raising awareness about the dangers posed by dangling cables. They have pointed out specific areas where overhead high-tension wires and unsecured cables present clear hazards to public safety, particularly during adverse weather conditions such as heavy rainfall. In response to these concerns, PMC and Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) officials have emphasized the need for regular inspection and maintenance of cable infrastructure. PMC’s electric department has directed engineers to conduct weekly inspections to identify and rectify any instances of cables dangling from poles or encroaching onto footpaths.
While MSEDCL officials clarify that black cables typically belong to DTH or internet service providers and carry minimal risk of electrocution under normal circumstances, they acknowledge the potential danger if these cables come into contact with live power lines during adverse weather or due to inadequate insulation. Addressing the issue, PMC has assured residents of proactive measures to mitigate safety risks associated with loose cables. By implementing regular inspection routines and promptly addressing any instances of cable mismanagement, authorities aim to enhance pedestrian safety and reduce the incidence of accidents caused by hazardous cable infrastructure across Pune.
