In a significant ruling, the High Court of Bombay at Goa upholding action against illegal overhead cables is a welcome decision. Electricity wires are an essential part of the communication infrastructure of any city, but in India, they often lead to a chaotic and messy appearance. Cables of television and internet service providers also hang down in a haphazard manner from electric poles and lamps. This unauthorised cables not only mar the appearance of the city, but also pose a threat to public safety, increase the risk of fires, delay maintenance and cause power outrages. Lack of any regulatory authority combined with the government's lethargy to impose restrictions on the reckless use of poles or levy fines on the erring operators has led to the rampant misuse of the government property. Besides, the unsystematic network of wires creates a nuisance for the electricity staff while dealing with breakdowns. Rules 86 & 87 of the Indian Electricity Rules, 1956, state that usage or leasing out of electricity poles for cable TV network, even it's being used for crossing from one colony to another colony, is not permitted as per rules. Now with the recent HC ruling, it's free to continue the work of removing unauthorised cables from the electricity pole.
