Dangerous hanging wires
BENGALURU
A loose cable brushing against a tree branch or lying across a footpath could be the unseen hazard that turns a routine commute into a life-threatening situation. Following last week’s heavy rains, Bengaluru’s fragile civic infrastructure has once again been exposed, with snapped cables and dangling wires posing serious risks across the city.
Officials from the Greater Bengaluru Authority said nearly 300 trees and 600 branches collapsed during the downpour, bringing down a tangled network of telecom, internet and cable TV lines — and in some cases, live electric wires. Two electrocution deaths reported during the week highlight the severity of the threat.
From residential neighbourhoods to busy commercial hubs, the danger is widespread. Footpaths have become potential death traps, with wires hanging low from trees or lying unattended on the ground. “How do we know which wire is safe?” asked K. Sharmistha, a resident of Langford Road.
Crowded areas such as SJP Road and Avenue Road are equally affected, with overhead cables crisscrossing narrow lanes, making it nearly impossible to distinguish between harmless lines and live wires. In South End Circle, a motorist narrowly escaped harm when a cable suddenly fell onto his vehicle, underscoring the unpredictability of the hazard.
Traders say the problem stems from unregulated and haphazard cable installations by multiple service providers. Rahul Goyal, Vice-President of the Karnataka Hardware and Allied Merchants’ Association, noted that cables are often laid without proper permissions or planning. “Many defunct wires continue to hang, adding to the chaos,” added trader Arun Jain.
Experts stress that preventive measures are critical. Pre-monsoon pruning of weak tree branches, coordinated action among civic bodies and stricter regulation of cable installations could reduce risks significantly.
Despite years of complaints, the city continues to rely heavily on overhead wiring instead of underground systems. Until systematic reforms are implemented, residents and commuters will have to remain vigilant — watching every step and every overhead line as they navigate Bengaluru’s streets.