Pangs of development Four years on, 112 locations still await relocation of electric poles
| Date :19-Feb-2024 |
By Rutu Borkar
Several electric poles continue to stand in their original position despite widening of road and concretisation works carried out around them. While citizens remain mute spectators, the electric poles have become a major hurdle for commuters and businesses alike. In a recent report given by Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL), electric poles across 112 locations in Nagpur Urban Circle are still pitched at their original place, awaiting re-location. Though there is loud noise about unprecedented development taking place in city, the basic problem regarding utilities remains unresolved, notwithstanding crores of rupees spent on improving the infrastructure.
The main problem for shifting of electric poles arises as multiple agencies are involved in the ownership/development of the roads in the Second Capital of the State, a major thorn in unified development. The MSEDCL report states that several locations are awaiting relocation since the development works that were completed in the year 2020-21. Likewise, poles at 34 locations await relocation since the year 2021-22, poles at 34 locations await relocation since the year 2022-23 and poles at 28 locations await relocation since the year 2023-24.
Yogesh Vitankar, Deputy Chief PRO, MSEDCL, Nagpur Urban Zone, said that the electric pole shifting work had to be executed by the respective agency that undertook the road development work. It has to be done by a registered electrical contractor under the supervision of MSEDCL. The agency that undertakes the road development work should include the cost of shifting works in its estimate. However, once the road work is done, the contractor leaves the place of work and the utilities remain at their original position. Multiple agencies under which the works are pending include Maha Metro, Indian Railways, Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), National Highway Division of PWD, Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), Nagpur Smart & Sustainable City Development Corporation Ltd (NSSCDCL), and Public Works Department (PWD).
The agencies should direct its contractors to execute the pending works for the convenience of citizens who should not be inconvenienced through no fault of theirs. If the utility cost has not been included in the project, the parent agency should grant additional funds and ensure that hurdles in smooth movement of traffic are relocated. Alternatively, they can also secure funds from the District Planning And Development Committee (DPDC) for the pending works. MSEDCL can jointly approach to get the works done for shifting of the electric poles,” Vitankar further said. While citizens remains mute spectators to the problem, residents living in the close proximity of the electric poles are leaving under a double whammy. The fear of an untoward incident looming over their heads cannot be rule out. Sangita Chavhan, one of the owners of Swayam Super Market, located near one such problematic spot said, “The fear of someone getting hurt, especially children and commuters during night hours is always there. Moreover, it blocks the view and makes parking a nightmare.”
While businessmen complain of the inconvenience, there are many who are reaping its benefits. “Many shopkeepers extend their shops to place their products just behind these poles. The electric poles act as a barricade and they place their items on the roadside for sale. The electric poles have narrowed the width of roads, putting the life of commuters in danger at several busy spots in the city. If the car rams into these poles by mistake, it can cause severe damage to the car and the passengers inside it, putting them into a life threatening situation,” said Ankush Gote.