Press Release
Press release from District Administrative Centre, Gangtok
Information & Public Relations Department
Overhead Cable Chaos to Order: Mission Clean Sky Progresses in Gangtok
Gangtok, September 01:
Under Mission Clean Sky, an initiative of the District Administrative Centre (DAC), Gangtok, a team led by District Collector, Mr Tushar G. Nikhare, IAS, conducted a review inspection today to assess the progress of removing overhanging cables in and around MG Marg.
The inspection was attended by the Ward Councillor (M.G. Marg), SE Smart City and team, AE PHE and team, AE Power and team, Joint Director/DDMA, Assistant Collector, Gangtok, Training Officer/DDMA, Sr. Bazar Officer (GMC) and team, ASI Police Department, along with representatives from Internet Service Providers (ISPs) including NIC and BSNL.
During the visit, the team observed significant progress in cable removal and management works at Children’s Park, Tibet Road, M.G. Marg, Tharo Line and Goshkahn Dara, where cables were properly bunched per directives issued during the previous inspection. Some minor lapses were noted, and instructions were given for immediate rectification. Feedback from ISPs was also taken, and innovative, case-specific solutions were suggested.
The next phase of the initiative will cover the highway stretch from Arithang Junction to Police Headquarters, where ISPs have been directed to utilise existing Smart City ducts for cabling. In areas without ducts, railings may be used for systematic bunching. This measure is expected to reduce the number of overhead cables on electric poles, contributing to a cleaner and more organised cityscape.
Additionally, BSNL has been instructed to remove old and damaged poles by Monday. The inspection also emphasised the urgent need to clear loose cables in and around the Namnang area.
In a bid to enhance public safety and convenience, the District Administration has also installed eight first-aid boxes at Lal Bazaar, complemented by essential amenities such as ENTRY, EXIT, and EMERGENCY signage, and marked out smoking rooms.
Speaking on the occasion, the District Collector stressed the importance of clearing the city’s skyline of excessive cables ahead of the upcoming tourist season. He noted that this initiative is crucial for beautification efforts and enhancing the experience of both residents and visitors. He also highlighted that cable clutter should be eliminated and new cabling installed systematically, ensuring that overhead wiring does not impede essential public utilities or emergency transport.
The District Collector further underlined that Mission Clean Sky is a coordinated effort involving the allied departments with the ongoing drive reflects the administration’s commitment to improving Gangtok’s urban aesthetics while ensuring robust and well-managed infrastructure.
Gangtok, September 01:
Under Mission Clean Sky, an initiative of the District Administrative Centre (DAC), Gangtok, a team led by District Collector, Mr Tushar G. Nikhare, IAS, conducted a review inspection today to assess the progress of removing overhanging cables in and around MG Marg.
The inspection was attended by the Ward Councillor (M.G. Marg), SE Smart City and team, AE PHE and team, AE Power and team, Joint Director/DDMA, Assistant Collector, Gangtok, Training Officer/DDMA, Sr. Bazar Officer (GMC) and team, ASI Police Department, along with representatives from Internet Service Providers (ISPs) including NIC and BSNL.
During the visit, the team observed significant progress in cable removal and management works at Children’s Park, Tibet Road, M.G. Marg, Tharo Line and Goshkahn Dara, where cables were properly bunched per directives issued during the previous inspection. Some minor lapses were noted, and instructions were given for immediate rectification. Feedback from ISPs was also taken, and innovative, case-specific solutions were suggested.
The next phase of the initiative will cover the highway stretch from Arithang Junction to Police Headquarters, where ISPs have been directed to utilise existing Smart City ducts for cabling. In areas without ducts, railings may be used for systematic bunching. This measure is expected to reduce the number of overhead cables on electric poles, contributing to a cleaner and more organised cityscape.
Additionally, BSNL has been instructed to remove old and damaged poles by Monday. The inspection also emphasised the urgent need to clear loose cables in and around the Namnang area.
In a bid to enhance public safety and convenience, the District Administration has also installed eight first-aid boxes at Lal Bazaar, complemented by essential amenities such as ENTRY, EXIT, and EMERGENCY signage, and marked out smoking rooms.
Speaking on the occasion, the District Collector stressed the importance of clearing the city’s skyline of excessive cables ahead of the upcoming tourist season. He noted that this initiative is crucial for beautification efforts and enhancing the experience of both residents and visitors. He also highlighted that cable clutter should be eliminated and new cabling installed systematically, ensuring that overhead wiring does not impede essential public utilities or emergency transport.
The District Collector further underlined that Mission Clean Sky is a coordinated effort involving the allied departments with the ongoing drive reflects the administration’s commitment to improving Gangtok’s urban aesthetics while ensuring robust and well-managed infrastructure.