Bhadaur House-II: Dangling overhead wires pose threat to residents, authorities unmoved

A web of scattered and dangling wires can be seen in the narrow lanes of Bhadaur House here. During rain and winds, the electricity cables pose a serious threat to shopkeepers. Many offices and shops are located in Bhadaur House. One of the biggest cloth markets is also located at the AC market in the area and daily a large number of people visit the place. A residential colony is also situated near Bhadaur House.

Sunil, a cloth merchant in the area, said an electrical pole is installed near his shop and wires remain hanging above their heads.

“Often, we have to tell customers to be careful while entering the shop as overhead loose wires keep hanging outside. Many times, we have registered complaints with Punjab State Power Corporation Limited but nothing has been done to resolve the issue and it seems they have turn a blind eye towards the menace, putting life of the people in danger,” he said.

“In 2023 during monsoons, a major tragedy was averted after a minor fire broke out due to a short-circuit in dangling wires. Shopkeepers acted promptly and the situation was brought under control, otherwise a big tragedy would have occurred,” he said.

Another shopkeeper from the area said the tangled mess of electricity wires was a big threat and it also makes the place looks shabby.

A majority of these were electricity wires but some belong to cable TV and telephone companies. These cables should be put underground or these could be hanged in a proper manner. There should be a wire duct after a certain distance to avoid messy tangling of the wires, he said.

Will try to resolve issue to maximum extent, says MLA

"The problem of dangling wires is there in most of the old city areas and Bhadaur House is no exception. I will personally go to the area along with officials from the PSPCL to discuss the issue and resolve the same. We will work area-wise and try to solve the menace to the maximum extent," said Madan Lal Bagga, MLA, Ludhiana East.

Will carry out drive to remove mess: PSPCL official

"The problem is severe in old city areas but it has been learnt that instead of electricity wires, a large number of these are other cables of DTH service, internet, telephone and also of CCTV cameras that have created the mess. People getting these services should be mindful of the wires and do not let them create the clutter. We will also carry out a drive in coming days to remove hanging wires," said Jagdev Singh Hans, PSPCL Chief Engineer.

Several offices, shops in area

Many offices and shops are located in Bhadaur House. One of the biggest cloth markets is also located at the AC market in the area and daily a large number of people visit the place.