Many voice frustration over disruption, others commend dept's proactive approach
TIDYING UP: Last Monday, The Goan highlighted an electricity pole overloaded with cables at Altinho, Mapusa. On Saturday, the electricity department cleared the pole, along with several others, bringing order back to the area.
Photo Credits: Agnelo Pereira
MAPUSA
In a move mirroring Panaji's recent initiative, the Mapusa Electricity Department launched a drive to clear electricity poles of dangling data and TV cables, causing disruption to internet and cable TV services across the town.
Armed with an order from the Executive Engineer, the department removed cables from numerous poles in several areas, eliminating the unsightly mess of tangled wires.
While some residents applauded the action, citing improved aesthetics and public safety, others, including government offices and local businesses, faced significant disruptions.
The sudden removal of cables left many residents and offices without internet connectivity, causing embarrassment in workplaces and depriving cable TV users of their services.
“I understand the need to clear the poles, but the abrupt action has left us scrambling. They should have given us time to find alternatives,” a data cable service provider said.
Another operator noted that the association of cable operators had already approached the court to seek a resolution to the issue. An official from the Electricity Department stated that they were simply executing orders from senior officials.
The directive, issued by the Executive Engineer and Nodal Officer of Division XV in Panaji, Kashinath Shetye instructed the removal of all unauthorized cables from electricity poles across several regions, including Panaji, Mapusa, Margao and others. According to the directive, the cables posed risks such as energy theft and did not generate revenue for the department.
While many expressed frustration over the disruption, others commended the department's proactive approach.
“The service providers often leave wires hanging or lying on the ground, endangering pedestrians and creating an eyesore. This cleanup was long overdue,” a local resident said.
Residents have called for stricter accountability for service providers, urging them to ensure proper cable management and comply with regulations to prevent future disruptions.
The incident has sparked a broader debate over the management of overhead cables and the need for better coordination between service providers and the authorities to balance infrastructure needs with public safety and convenience.
