Cable men don’t move wires, government cuts them

Kolkata: The Nabadiganta Industrial Township Authority (NDITA) has started cutting down overhead cables as a section of cable operators were reluctant to make underground ducts for internet and TV cables. The stern measure is to ensure that no overhead cables exist in New Town and adjacent areas.

Months back, NDITA chairman Debashis Sen had held meetings with cable operators and explained that overhead cables were not only contributing to visual pollution but were also dangerous for the street light poles as these were not designed to carry the load of the innumerable cables. “They were also informed that it is illegal, as the poles are government property on government land and no permission was ever given. They were reminded that during elections, the Election Commission prohibits putting up of flags, banners etc on poles,” a top NDITA official said.

A committee of cable operators and engineers of NDITA got together and extended all help to the cable operators for putting the wires underground. “Date-lines were set, and extended on more than one occasion. Several appeals were made to the operators to act, but when we found that they were nonplussed we decided to cut cables to give them a clear message that we mean business,” the official added. Salt Lake Sector V area has been targeted first as the problem is acute in this area.