Ranchi, the capital city of Jharkhand, is grappling with a modern-day urban nightmare as messy telecom wires continue to dangle precariously over streets and pavements, creating both safety hazards and visual pollution. Despite clear directives from the municipal corporation, the situation remains largely unresolved, leaving residents to navigate through what many describe as an "electric spider web."
The Invisible Danger Overhead
Walking through various neighborhoods in Ranchi has become an exercise in caution. Thick clusters of telecom wires hang at dangerously low heights, often within arm's reach of pedestrians and vehicles. Residents report instances where these tangled wires have nearly caused serious accidents, particularly during monsoon seasons when the risk of electrocution increases significantly.
Municipal Orders Falling on Deaf Ears
The Ranchi Municipal Corporation had issued specific orders to telecom service providers to organize and properly install these wires. However, ground reality tells a different story. The lack of enforcement and coordination between different service providers has resulted in a chaotic situation where new wires are added without removing old, defunct ones.
Residents Voice Their Concerns
Local residents express growing frustration with the situation. "We've complained multiple times to authorities, but the wires keep multiplying," says a concerned shop owner from Main Road area. "During festivals or crowded days, we fear that someone might accidentally touch these live wires."
Another resident from Harmu Road adds, "The aesthetic appeal of our city is completely destroyed by these messy wires. It looks like no planning has been done at all."
Broader Implications for Urban Development
This telecom wire chaos reflects larger issues in urban infrastructure management. As Ranchi continues to develop rapidly, the inability to manage basic utilities like telecom wiring raises questions about the city's preparedness for future growth. The situation also highlights the need for better coordination between multiple telecom operators and municipal authorities.
Experts suggest that underground cabling could be a permanent solution, though it requires significant investment and planning. Until then, residents continue to hope for a day when they can walk their streets without looking up in fear.
