Seeks explanation for lack of action on violations by internet providers, alleges bribes taken within department
Senior Electricity Department engineer Kashinath Shetye and his staff on the job to remove internet cables hanging from electricity poles, on Wednesday.
MARGAO
In a no-nonsense action against illegal internet cabling, senior power department officer Kashinath Shetye on Wednesday personally disconnected a bundle of unauthorised cables hanging from an electric pole in Aquem, with the officer raising serious questions about alleged “hafta” (bribes) and administrative inaction within the department.
Armed with a cable cutter, Shetye inspected the area and immediately began removing the cables. From the spot, he called senior electricity engineer Rajeev Samant, the designated nodal officer for removing illegal cables, and sought an explanation for the delay in implementing disconnection drives.
Putting the phone on speaker, Shetye told Samant that the media was listening and asked him to explain why no substantial action had been taken in the past year. When Samant replied that meetings had been held with cable operators, Shetye countered with pointed questions.
“Did any operator respond to the show-cause notices? Did anyone obtain a stay from the High Court? Every year, this issue comes up. Is any hafta being collected, and who is collecting it?” Shetye asked.
Drawing attention to the situation in Aquem, Shetye said nearly 50 cables were found hanging from a single electric pole, far exceeding permissible limits. “The department has every right to disconnect these cables,” he said.
When Samant pointed out that the power department itself depends on internet services, Shetye retorted, “If you have no internet, take a fibre-to-air connection.”
Shetye expressed frustration over repeated accidents linked to hanging cables. “Just yesterday, our deputy director met with an accident after his vehicle got entangled in a dangling cable. Three of our staff have also fallen because of these cables,” he said.
Collector’s order ignored?
Shetye also questioned why the Collector’s order directing the removal of illegal cables had not been implemented in Margao. “I have the Collector’s order with me. How is it that you don’t have it? I am told you were also issued the same order,” he told the senior official.
“Why are you asking me whether I have the order? At least I am doing the job of removing cables,” Shetye said, adding that the department should ensure legitimate revenue is generated from cable operators instead of allowing illegal practices.
Threat of FIRs
Later, speaking to the media, Shetye warned that FIRs would be filed against anyone found climbing electric poles to lay cables without permission.
“I am deeply concerned about the stability of electric poles. Only three cables are permitted on a pole, but we are finding up to 50 cables on a single pole. No permissions have been taken. I don’t know who is collecting haftas to allow these illegalities,” he said.
Shetye’s action has once again brought the long-standing issue of illegal cable networks and alleged collusion to the forefront in Margao.
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Power dept working with internet firms on hanging cables, says nodal officer
MARGAO: Senior power official Rajeev Samant, the designated nodal officer for removing illegal cables, has said that his office had held meetings with representatives of the internet service providers (ISPs) to work out a solution to the issue of cables hanging on electric poles.
He said that after the meeting, action is being initiated in some areas against the cables, including areas such as Curtorim. “We will hold another meeting with the operators before initiating action,” Samant told the media.
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Two brought in for inquiry as cables restored soon after disconnection
MARGAO: Margao police brought two persons for inquiry after they were found restoring power cables at Aquem within hours of the removal of cables by senior power official Kashinath Shetye on Wednesday morning.
After a group of workers were seen restoring the cables at Aquem as the area went without internet since morning, the police were informed about the activity.
A police team deputed to Aquem returned with two persons found engaged in work at an electric pole. Margao police said the duo had been detained for inquiry.
A group of workers told 'The Goan' on Wednesday evening that they were on the job to restore the cables removed earlier in the day. They further said they were employed by BSNL to restore the lines.
Two other persons, employed by another internet company, who were found engaged in some activity near the electric poles at Aquem, were brought to the police station for inquiry.
Incidentally, Shetye had initiated a similar drive exactly a year ago in the Aquem area of the commercial capital, during which cables were disconnected. On that occasion too, the cables were restored by internet cable companies within hours.
