T’puram: The city corporation will launch a drive to remove unused and dangerously dangling overhead cables across the city, with the first phase covering five wards from Monday. Mayor V V Rajesh will inaugurate the initiative at the Martyrs’ Column in Palayam at 5pm.The initiative aims to address the growing problem of unorganised telephone and internet cables that hang precariously over roads and footpaths, posing a safety risk to pedestrians and motorists. The corporation said Varanasi and Mumbai were the only other cities in the country where similar initiatives had been successfully implemented.The project will eventually cover all 101 wards under the corporation. Palayam, Fort, Kannammoola, Thycaud and Perunthanni have been selected for the first phase, with the civic body’s main office located in Palayam.As part of the drive, cables that have not been tagged for identification will be removed. The remaining cables will be bundled together and secured using machinery to ensure they are properly arranged and do not pose a hazard.The corporation had earlier adopted a council resolution calling for the removal of unnecessary and unsafe overhead cables. It had also decided that if service providers failed to remove such cables, the civic body would undertake the work directly and recover the expenses and compensation from the companies concerned.The decision comes amid concerns over the risks posed by poorly maintained overhead wires, which can contribute to accidents and even loss of life. The corporation aims to bring the city’s cluttered overhead cable network under control through coordinated action involving service providers.Divine Network has been awarded the contract to carry out the work. The corporation expects the initiative to improve public safety and give the city a more orderly streetscape by eliminating abandoned wires and properly arranging cables that remain in use.
