Unauthorised overhead cables pose a serious threat to public safety, yet the menace of dangling wires continues unabated in parts of Panaji. Ugly knots of cables hanging from electricity poles are not only an eyesore but also a major hazard. Such disorderly networks make it difficult for electricity department staff to attend to faults efficiently. The recent crackdown on illegal cables in St Cruz, Panaji, was a necessary step following a reported accident in which a fibre cable got entangled in a moving motorcycle, causing the rider to lose control. Both a father and son suffered fractures. This incident highlights the grave dangers posed by tangled and low-hanging cables, which can be pulled down by vehicles, leading to accidents and even electrocution. Many cable operators install their networks without proper permission or licences and fail to pay dues, resulting in revenue loss to the electricity department. In the past, strict action against such illegal installations faced political resistance. The government must act firmly in the larger interest of public safety and give authorities a free hand to enforce the Cable Television Act strictly and without compromise.
