Hanging cables have citizens in a tizzy

Hanging television and internet cables on electrical poles are posing threat to locals here at KPHB colony in Kukatpally. Almost every electrical pole is almost fully covered by bunch of cables hanging from top to the ground. It is accident in waiting if current passes through the cables inadvertently. The Electricity Department officials have forsaken the issue for years due to which the internet and cable TV MNC companies get a free hand to hang cables on electricity poles without taking into consideration the public safety and convenience aspect. 

One can count on fingers the number of service providers of internet and cable TV services across the city and suburbs and most of these service providers are using electricity poles to place connectivity boxes, so that they can reach to every household. Around 4 to 5 connectivity boxes are seen on every electric pole and each box extends four connections in surroundings homes or another connectivity box. The cables are loosely hanged so that they can be drawn further with new orders instead of bringing new cables every time. These cables also pass close to balconies of many houses posing danger to residents. The condition can turn worse in heavy rain. 

Locals from Kukatpally have been urging the Electricity Department to remove wires and cables hanging loosely from electricity poles as it can be harmful for children. These cables sometimes hang on high tension electricity wires which can cause short circuits and cause accidents The officials of the Electrical Department of Kukatpally division have slammed the practice of service providers. Speaking to Hans India, assistant divisional engineer Srinivas Reddy said, “The TV and internet cables were being laid without permission. 

Permission for hundred electricity poles have been taken by the service providers initially on rental basis but gradually the companies turned giant and are using thousands of poles for their services and not paying any rentals.” Furthermore, he said that electricity department employees faced challenges while climbing poles, many serious accident cases have been registered due to cables hanging on poles.” Showing his anger towards the cables, Srinivas Reddy said, “I would be the first person to issue orders to remove the cables from electricity poles. But our hands are tied down as the orders should come from higher authorities.”

Local TV and broadband service providers are unable to speak about the issue. “We just follow the orders received from our corporate offices, we do nothing on our own,” says a local service provider.  Locals feel that it is obvious that there is an understanding between the company and electricity department, else the officials wouldn’t allow to place cables on poles.