The picture of bunched cables on an electricity pole at Altinho in Mapusa (The Goan Everyday Jan 13) is just an example. There are tens of such instances in Panaji, Margao, Vasco and other towns. At most places we can see the electricity poles being covered with cables of service providers (SP) of internet and cable TV. This is dangerous since if the cables come in contact with a live wire, then the current could be transmitted to the clients’ TVs and routers. Two years back the Corporation of the City of Panaji had stated that the bunched and overhanging cables would be removed in 15 days. On January 11, personnel from Goa Electricity Department (GED) cut down the cables at Patto. The Chief Electrical Engineer informed that this action was was carried out as the field staff of GED faced challenges in carrying out their works. Firstly, the government should penalise the SP for using the GED poles despite notices and warnings. Secondly, identify and inform the SP to remove the cables. Thirdly, have a State-wide policy to remove the cables within a given time-frame.
