The vision of a modern, clutter-free city is being steadily undermined by the unchecked negligence of private cable and internet service providers. While the local administration has invested heavily in upgrading urban infrastructure—especially by developing wide roads, well-maintained dividers and green plantations—the benefits are being nullified by a maze of overhead cables.
Stretches such as the road between Mangalmurti Square and Trimurti Nagar Square showcase the administration’s efforts to create world-class infrastructure. In a bid to ensure a clean skyline, the government has even spent additional public funds to shift electrical lines underground. However, despite this initiative, only about 7 to 20 per cent of areas have adopted underground cable connectivity.
As a result, the city’s skyline has turned into an unsightly web of black wires. Private operators continue to install fibre-optic and coaxial cables on municipal streetlights and trees, misusing public property and violating basic civic norms. This not only damages the city’s appearance but also reflects weak regulatory enforcement, turning crores spent on public infrastructure into visual chaos.
Residents are increasingly affected by the problem. A homeowner shared that a Wi-Fi operator installed a central device on their terrace, resulting in excessive wiring and constant inconvenience. “The machine activates several connections, creating wire congestion. We are also concerned about possible health risks from radiation,” the resident said, adding that repeated requests to relocate the equipment have been ignored.
Beyond aesthetics, the issue poses a serious public safety risk. Poorly installed cables often snap due to strong winds or falling branches, leaving live wires hanging at eye level or lying on roads. These pose a potentially fatal danger to pedestrians and two-wheeler riders.
The situation is worsened by a dual failure—lack of strict enforcement by authorities and general public apathy in reporting violations. If Nagpur truly aims to become a “Smart City,” this growing aerial hazard cannot be ignored. Strict penalties and mandatory use of underground conduits are no longer optional; they are essential to restore the city’s skyline and ensure public safety.
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