The civic body currently has no policy or standard operating procedure to regulate overhead cables
PCMC has an underground pipe network spanning around 610 km for utility cables. At least 25 operators attended the meeting, according to civic officials. Civic officials estimate there are likely around 400 cable operators operating across Pimpri Chinchwad.
Once approved, the SOP will apply to overhead cables across the city,” said Mahesh Kawale, joint city engineer, PCMC. He said PCMC plans to shift all overhead cables to its underground network within a year and urged operators to cooperate. “The civic body will provide cable operators access to the network at nominal rates to facilitate the shift,” Suryawanshi said. To perform this role effectively, it is essential that they comply with regulations and establish cable networks through authorised means,” said Prashant Shitole, leader of the house at PCMC.
The civic body currently has no policy or standard operating procedure (SOP) to regulate overhead cables, having just begun the process of framing an SOP in May. However, despite repeated appeals, operators had not submitted their applications for permissions or recommendations for the proposed SOP until Monday’s meeting. “The draft SOP is now ready. It will be discussed with the operators, and changes will be made, if necessary, based on their recommendations. Municipal commissioner Vijay Suryawanshi asked operators to submit their operational documents and obtain the required permissions, warning that action would be taken against unauthorised cable networks. Operators were also asked to identify and remove non-operational cables dangling over roads. “PCMC is known for its digital services, and cable operators play an important role in maintaining the city’s digital infrastructure.
It will then be placed before the general body for final approval.
Municipal Meeting Addresses Key Issues
On Monday, a significant meeting took place at the civic headquarters, involving municipal commissioner Vijay Suryawanshi, elected officials from both ruling and opposition parties, cable operators, and representatives from various departments of the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC). The discussions centered around pressing local issues, reflecting the collaborative efforts of different political factions and industry stakeholders to address community needs.