A threat to residents from above

Overhanging cables in many areas of the city are putting lives at risk

The Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (Tangedco) is taking steps to bring the overhead power lines underground. But residents in various parts of the city grumble about the growing menace of overhead cables of telecom and satellite companies. Thousands of interior streets are crowded with iron poles, and their skyline is cluttered with overhanging cables. The menace has become more pronounced in the past few years: several telecom and cable television networks have put up poles to carry their cables. These are in addition to the Chennai Corporation’s street-light poles used for carrying cables. The overhanging cables are an eyesore. They also pose a threat to residents.