In a bid to enhance Chennai’s visual appeal, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has initiated a campaign to eliminate the chaotic network of illegal television and internet cables. This effort involves removing cables haphazardly strung across streetlight poles and tree branches, effectively decluttering the city’s landscape.
The crackdown commenced following a directive from GCC Commissioner J Kumaragurubaran, who emphasized the need to target operators with outstanding payment dues. Over the weekend, a significant 50 km of cables were removed, resulting in a noticeable improvement in the aesthetics of several areas. Notably, George Town, Choolaimedu, Teynampet, and Anna Nagar witnessed a tangible difference as tangled cables were cleared. The Valasaravakkam zone saw the most extensive removal, with 6.1 km of cables being taken down.
While acknowledging the lack of a systematic method to accurately measure the actual cable length installed by operators, Commissioner Kumaragurubaran highlighted the discrepancies between licensed cable lengths and the reality on the ground. “They acquire licences for certain lengths, yet they often exceed these limits. As of now, we’re cutting the cables belonging to operators who owe us dues,” he stated.
The GCC recognizes the need for a more data-driven approach to cable management, both for aerial and horizontal layouts. Looking ahead, the corporation plans to leverage IoT technology to develop a comprehensive system for monitoring and managing cables. “We aim to collaborate with startups to devise methods for accurately measuring cables and formulate a standard operating procedure on the route of cables with methodology,” Kumaragurubaran said.
The GCC’s efforts to regulate cable installations are rooted in the financial burden placed on the corporation by operators. Previously, a fee of ₹54,000 per km was levied, but new Trai regulations rendered it free. In 2022, the fee was reinstated at ₹1,000 per km. However, with an estimated 50,000 km of cables in place, the GCC hasn’t collected any fees for 2023 and 2024.
Devarajan, supervisor at Hathway Internet Service Provider, voiced concerns about the GCC’s approach, stating that the corporation has been cutting cables without proper notice and in a seemingly random manner. He emphasized that some of the cables being removed are vital for essential services like hospitals and police stations. Devarajan urged the GCC to give operators at least a month’s time to address the issues.
In North Chennai, the lack of GCC poles for internet cables has resulted in operators resorting to suspending cables across buildings. This practice raises safety concerns, especially for motorists. Civic activist R Ramesh emphasized the need for the GCC to prioritize the removal of low-hanging cables that pose a risk to road users.
Regularizing cable lengths through effective monitoring and regulation could not only improve the city’s aesthetic appeal but also generate significant revenue for the GCC, contributing to its infrastructure development initiatives.
