Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Goa Electricity Department (GED) has gained momentum in its campaign to clear overhead cables placed by TV and internet operators on its power poles, after the Bombay High Court on Thursday declined to grant a stay on the operators’ plea. The decision enables GED to continue removing what it terms “unauthorised encumbrances” that hinder power infrastructure maintenance.
For years, private service providers have relied on electricity poles to support their cables, resulting in dense clusters of wires that officials say impede repairs and raise safety concerns, particularly during storms.
Chief Electrical Engineer Stephen Fernandes, speaking to this publication, said the department will move forward with caution to prevent disruptions.
“We need a workable long-term system. Eventually, cable operators will have to install their own independent structures and stop depending on electricity poles,” he said.
Fernandes noted that abrupt or careless removal of cables could knock out internet connectivity for thousands of homes, businesses and government offices. “We must first assess how removals can be executed without triggering widespread outages. Random cutting could severely impact connectivity,” he cautioned.
He emphasised that while GED is firm on removing unauthorised cables, it must strike a balance between enforcement and safeguarding essential digital services.
The dispute between GED and private operators has simmered for years. Officials maintain that non-power cables on electricity poles are unsafe and must be phased out, while industry representatives warn that sudden action could cripple internet and cable TV services, particularly in high-density urban areas. They have urged the government to put alternative infrastructure in place before pushing ahead with strict removal drives.
