The Kamrup Metropolitan District administration has issued an official directive to remove dangling and unorganized wires from street poles across Guwahati within seven days. This move aims to ensure public safety, improve the city’s aesthetic appeal, and prepare for the upcoming Advantage Assam 2.0 Summit. The order comes after a field verification revealed that loosely hanging cables were causing physical discomfort to pedestrians and posing a serious safety hazard.
The directive, issued by Sub-Divisional Magistrate Kankan Sharma, is in accordance with Section 152(1)(a) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. This law empowers authorities to remove unlawful obstructions in public spaces that could potentially harm citizens.
Why Is Guwahati Cracking Down on Dangling Wires?
Haphazardly hanging cables from electric and telecom poles have long been an issue in Guwahati. These unregulated wires not only make the city look untidy but also create multiple risks, including:
- Electrocution hazards due to exposed or damaged wires.
- Obstruction for pedestrians and commuters, especially in crowded areas.
- Increased chances of accidents, particularly during monsoons when cables become waterlogged.
With the upcoming Advantage Assam 2.0 Summit, the government is determined to eliminate such urban hazards and enhance Guwahati’s overall appeal to visitors and investors.
Advantage Assam 2.0: A Key Reason for the Initiative
The Advantage Assam 2.0 Summit is a major business and investment event designed to attract global investors and showcase Assam’s economic potential. To make a positive impression on delegates and foreign investors, the state administration has been actively working on:
- Improving city infrastructure
- Enhancing cleanliness and safety measures
- Streamlining urban development projects
As part of these efforts, the removal of unorganized and unsafe wires is being prioritized.
Legal Implications: What Happens If Authorities Fail to Act?
The directive mandates that all responsible agencies and cable owners must remove the wires within seven days. Failure to comply may lead to penalties under Section 223 of BNSS, 2023, which include:
- Monetary fines for violating public safety norms.
- Forced removal at the cost of cable owners, where authorities will clear the cables and charge the responsible agencies.
- Seizure of undressed and unauthorized cables, preventing further clutter.
“If the concerned authorities fail to comply with the order, pole-owning authorities are directed to mitigate the nuisance at the cost of cable owners and take necessary actions,” the official notification stated.
Impact on Guwahati’s Infrastructure and Public Safety
The removal of dangling cables is expected to bring several benefits:
1. Improved Public Safety
With unregulated wires removed, the risk of accidental entanglement, electrocution, and tripping hazards will be significantly reduced.
2. Enhanced Urban Aesthetics
Guwahati is growing into a modern city, and removing unsightly hanging wires will improve its visual appeal, making it more inviting for residents and visitors alike.
3. Streamlined Cable Management
The directive encourages service providers to follow proper cable installation standards, ensuring organized and safe wiring systems in the future.
4. Increased Investor Confidence
A clean and well-managed city makes a strong impression on investors, boosting business confidence in Assam’s economic and infrastructural development.
While the directive is a positive step, there are challenges in ensuring proper implementation. Many cable operators and telecom companies may face logistical difficulties in removing and reorganizing their network within such a short period.
However, the strict penalties under BNSS, 2023, should encourage swift compliance. Additionally, if properly executed, this initiative could set a precedent for other urban centers in Assam to undertake similar clean-up drives, making cities safer and more organized.
A Step Towards a Safer and Smarter Guwahati
The Kamrup Metropolitan District administration’s initiative to remove dangling wires from Guwahati’s street poles is a major move toward urban beautification and public safety. With Advantage Assam 2.0 Summit around the corner, ensuring a well-organized, hazard-free city has become a top priority.
As the deadline for compliance approaches, it remains to be seen how effectively authorities and service providers will implement the order. However, one thing is certain—this initiative is a vital step toward making Guwahati a cleaner, safer, and investment-friendly city.
