Open house: How can the threat of overhead electric wires be addressed appropriately?

Urgent Safety Hazard

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Electric wires dangling in bunches from electric poles in various parts of Ludhiana are posing a severe threat to residents, pedestrians and commuters. Additionally, cables, including internet wires, are creating hazards along roadsides. In many areas, overhead wires remain uninsulated and numerous poles are on the verge of collapse, presenting a grave danger to the public. The authorities concerned appear to be in a deep slumber, seemingly waiting for further tragedies to occur. Many lives have already been lost due to the lackadaisical attitude of officials. Authorities, particularly the PSPCL, must urgently ensure that all live wires are insulated or replaced before the onset of the monsoon season. Overhead lines should be systematically replaced with underground cables. There is also an immediate need for dedicated infrastructure to house cable TV and broadband wires, separate from electricity cables. This will help ensure that a fault in the power supply does not result from cable repairs and vice versa. Preventing sagging cables and electrocution is solely the responsibility of the authorities concerned and failure to do so amounts to criminal negligence.

RS Sembhi

Overhead Cable Risks

The presence of entangled overhead power cables in many parts of the city endangers public safety, particularly in densely populated neighbourhoods. These cables are vulnerable to weather conditions, accidental contact and short circuits, which may result in fire, electrocution and power disruptions. A phased transition to underground cable systems is therefore essential. Underground lines offer greater durability, improved safety and more consistent power supply than overhead ones, and they are less susceptible to damage from environmental factors or urban activity. They also reduce visual clutter across the cityscape. As a first step, PSPCL should prioritise mapping and assessing the most hazardous areas. It is understood that the installation of underground electric cables is already underway in some city zones. A systematic and expedited approach must now be adopted to comprehensively address the issue. With concerted effort, Ludhiana can gradually eliminate the threat of entangled overhead cables, creating a safer and more organised city environment.

Novin Christopher

Time-Bound Cable Plan

The tangled web of overhead electricity cables in cities like Ludhiana presents both an eyesore and a significant safety threat, especially during storms or in crowded areas. While the shift to underground cabling is a positive step, urgent attention must be given to managing the current overhead chaos. The government must implement a time-bound action plan to systematically remove redundant overhead wires as underground systems are rolled out. Coordination among electricity boards, internet service providers and cable TV operators is vital, as many of these hanging wires are non-electrical utilities. Strict penalties should be enforced for unregulated or illegal cable installations. Future urban plans should include dedicated utility corridors. Public awareness campaigns must be launched to inform residents and local vendors of the risks posed by such wires. In the interim, smart utility poles could be adopted to better organise the wiring and mitigate immediate risks. A collaborative, structured approach is essential to restore both safety and visual appeal in our cities.

Aarti Rana Chauhan

Prevent Electrocution

The web of overhead electricity and cable wires suspended across Ludhiana's streets poses an increasing danger to public safety. Only last month, a man in the city was electrocuted by a low-hanging live wire-a tragic reminder of the danger such entangled wires present. Although the government has initiated work on underground cable installations, the pace must be accelerated, particularly in high-density areas. In the meantime, outdated and unauthorised wires must be removed through coordinated action by the Electricity Department and cable providers. According to a study by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), cities that replaced overhead cables with underground or bundled lines reduced wire-related accidents by nearly 40 per cent. The Municipal Corporation (MC) must conduct regular safety inspections, place warning signs in vulnerable areas and introduce a helpline or app that enables the public to report dangerous cables. With proper planning and stronger accountability, this serious hazard can be effectively addressed.

Jaspreet Singh,

Coordination among stakeholders Needed

To resolve the widespread issue of overhead and dangling wires in the city, there must be improved coordination among all stakeholders. A single-window clearance system should be introduced for all underground cabling approvals. A joint task force comprising the Ludhiana Improvement Trust (LIT), Municipal Corporation (MC), PSPCL, and telecom companies should be constituted. A comprehensive common duct policy must be adopted to avoid repeated digging. Public awareness and grievance redress mechanisms must be established, including a helpline or mobile app for reporting hazardous cable clusters. Awareness campaigns should be run to discourage illegal connections, and incentives must be provided for complaints that result in the removal of dangerous wires. A ban must be enforced on the installation of new overhead cables in areas where underground infrastructure already exists. Local authorities should use GIS mapping to monitor cable networks. A Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model could also be employed to fund underground cabling projects in congested zones. Implementing these measures systematically can rid Ludhiana of tangled overhead wires and create a modern, safer cabling system.

Farzana Khan

Costs Worth Bearing

The laying of underground wires in cities must continue as a priority over maintaining overhead cables. This is vital not only for the safety of residents and passers-by but also for improving the performance of electricity departments. Well-laid underground wires lend a tidy and modern appearance to the city, while overhead cables present a shabby and unkempt look. This task must be undertaken by the local Electricity Department, even though it involves considerable expenditure. However, this investment is justified given the many benefits underground systems offer over overhead ones. The public already pays taxes to both state and local authorities, and these bodies must be willing to take on the financial responsibility. Often, workers from the electricity department leave wires exposed after maintenance work, which creates dangerous situations and tarnishes the city's image. Authorities must instruct their workers to never leave live wires uncovered, ensuring the safety of those who live or travel nearby.

Gautam Dev

Strict Cable Regulation needed

The persistent problem of entangled overhead cables in Ludhiana can be addressed through a multi-pronged strategy involving the expansion of underground cabling and improved regulation. First, the local government must prioritise high-risk zones such as busy markets, residential areas and narrow lanes for underground wiring. Trenchless technology, including micro-tunnelling and horizontal directional drilling, should be used to avoid extensive road disruptions. Proper ducting and cable labelling must be ensured to ease future maintenance. Secondly, a strict enforcement and regularisation policy must be adopted. Heavy fines should be imposed on companies that violate cabling norms or leave wires dangerously suspended. Licences must only be issued after compliance with underground wiring standards. Abandoned or illegal wires must be identified through audits and removed. A single nodal agency-perhaps the Municipal Corporation or PSPCL-should be appointed to oversee this cleanup. Lastly, the local community must cooperate fully with authorities in tackling this issue for the collective safety and improvement of the city.

Dr Mohd Saleem Farooqui

Joint Safety Initiative

While the move to underground cabling is commendable, the continued presence of entangled overhead wires in Ludhiana remains a significant public safety concern. These wires not only mar the city's appearance but also endanger lives, especially during monsoon storms. To address this issue, the Municipal Corporation and Electricity Department must jointly initiate a special drive to identify and prioritise high-risk areas for underground cabling-starting with densely populated neighbourhoods and school zones. A clear timeline must be established for the phased removal of all overhead lines. Until this is accomplished, stringent inspection and routine maintenance of existing wires are essential. Public-private partnerships can help in securing funds and technical expertise. Cable and telecom operators must also be held accountable for adhering to wiring norms, as many of the wires are installed without oversight. A community-driven approach-supported by a reporting app or helpline-can further empower residents to make their neighbourhoods safer.

Parmeet Kaur

Make Underground Shift Mandatory

To mitigate the risks posed by entangled overhead cables, two critical steps must be undertaken. Firstly, a citywide survey should be conducted to identify hazardous clusters of cables. These must be phased out and systematically relocated underground. This step would not only reduce the chances of electrocution and accidents but would also enhance the city's overall visual appeal. Secondly, robust coordination between utility providers-including electricity, broadband and cable TV-must be enforced by a centralised civic body. This would prevent the unregulated and repetitive installation of overhead cables. The issuance of mandatory licences and enforcement of penalties for unauthorised cabling activities would increase accountability and promote long-term public safety.

Tamanpreet Kaur Khangura

Issue At Hand

IN the name of development, crores of rupees are being spent by successive governments on infrastructure projects. Yet, tangled electricity wires continue to pose a grave risk to human life. While laying underground cables is not feasible in many congested areas, the authorities must at least ensure that overhead wires are securely fastened and that old or damaged cables are replaced without delay.

Question for next week

Elections for Ludhiana West are approaching. Despite growing public awareness and the rise of social media, defacement of property remains a common sight. What can be done to effectively address this issue?

Suggestions in not more than 150 words can be sent to ludhianadesk@tribunemail.com by Thursday (June 12)