Gangtok, September 22: A joint inspection was conducted today along the stretch from MG Marg to Palzor Stadium Road to address the overhanging wires and poorly managed utility poles.
The inspection was led by the Assistant Collector (AC), Gangtok, along with the Deputy Director /DM, Ae Power and team, officials from the concerned departments, and service providers.
During the inspection, the AC issued clear directions for immediate corrective measures at several critical points:
Thakurbari Mandir Bridge: Coiled wires found piled on the bridge must be properly bunched.
Hospital Dara Traffic Point: Bunched wires crossing the road must be lifted to a safe height, and nearby loose wires must be properly bunched.
Food Affair Area: Internet service providers (ISPs) were instructed to decide on a single set of utility poles; unnecessary poles will be scrapped. All road-crossing wires must be bunched into a single line.
Fire Office Area: Only one bunching of wires will be permitted.
Post Office Taxi Stand: Old and unused wires must be discarded and the area cleaned.
Hotel Zephyr Junction: The existing camera and pole must be shifted/removed. All poles will be numbered for ISPs to reference in official correspondence with the Power Department. Two poles at the hotel junction and the Power Department pole opposite Hotel Starlit must also be removed.
In addition to wire management, the AC directed the construction of a wheelchair-accessible slope at the Red Panda stairs. The Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department was also instructed to issue notices to private water pipe holders to ensure proper regulation.
The inspection emphasised the urgent need for better coordination among service providers to ensure public safety, improve aesthetics, and maintain orderliness in the city.