Pune: PMC Halts Action Against Illegal Overhead Cables Amid Policy Confusion

Pune, 17th April 2026: Action against illegal overhead cables in the city has been put on hold by the municipal administration, even as questions are being raised over a lack of transparency and clarity regarding existing policies.

The drive was initiated by Standing Committee Chairman Shrinath Bheemale to boost municipal revenue and regulate unauthorised cable networks. However, the administration has now stepped back, citing guidelines issued by the central government.

During a standing committee meeting held on Thursday, officials informed members that the Union Ministries of Power and Telecommunications had already issued regulations on overhead cables in 2023–24, with directions to state governments and civic bodies. The administration also stated that the municipal corporation had framed its own policy in 2024, and that any action must now align with these guidelines.

Officials maintained that due to the presence of central regulations, blanket action against overhead cables cannot be undertaken without following due procedure. This has effectively stalled the ongoing crackdown, putting the standing committee chairman in a difficult position.

The development has triggered questions within civic circles, with members asking why the existence of such policies was not disclosed earlier to the standing committee. Concerns have also been raised that the enforcement drive appeared selective.

Sources claimed that action was taken only on days when the standing committee chairman personally visited sites, raising doubts about the consistency of the crackdown. Further, despite directions to register criminal cases against those installing illegal cables within a week of the drive’s launch, no formal complaints have reportedly been filed so far.

Bheemale said the administration had now placed details of both central and municipal policies before the committee. “We have asked officials to study the existing framework and present a revised policy before the standing committee within a week. Instructions have also been given to initiate criminal action within the next eight days. The municipal commissioner has assured that action will be taken,” he said.

The issue has highlighted gaps in coordination between elected representatives and the administration, even as concerns over unauthorised cable networks remain unresolved.