Last month, the Power Department ordered cable TV and internet providers to remove old cables from electricity poles and clear unpaid dues. Now, it has begun cutting wires in Panaji, Aldona, and Arpora, leaving many without connectivity. Service providers warn this will affect hospitals, schools, banks, and insurance companies.
The department insists this is not a crackdown but an effort to raise awareness and ensure proper permissions. The drive will eventually cover all of Goa. To prevent such disruptions, cables should be placed underground. Some private providers already use underground fibre optics, reducing risks from dangling wires. The government must prioritise this to avoid safety hazards during Goa’s heavy rains and strong winds.
