Telecom firm continues with cable installation work ‘illegally’

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, June 15

Despite the Municipal Corporation (MC) seizing fibre cable of Reliance Jio, the firm still hasn’t stopped the installation of cables illegally in the city. Workers of the company were spotted installing cables in Shashtari Nagar and Lawrence Road by violating the rules of the Punjab Municipal Act.

As per the rules, the company has to pay requisite fee for use of land and occupational charges before installing poles and wires. But despite several warnings of the MC, the company has been continuing with its work. The MC has failed to take any strict action. It has seized a few rolls of fibre cable and removed poles of the company in the past.

Earlier, the telecommunication company had installed illegal poles on footpaths. The MC had seized five poles last month. Now, the firm has been using the PSPCL poles illegally.

Estate officials said that instead of adopting legal channel, the company has been trying to install cables illegally.

MC Estate Officer Sushant Bhatia said, “MC Commissioner Harbir Singh has taken a strict note of the companies’ misconduct. Without paying fee, we will not allow them to install cables. No one will be allowed to dig footpath, install poles or wires on electric poles without permission.”

According to Sushant Bhatia, “Despite warning, if they don’t stop, we will take strict action.”