Mangaluru: Residents have expressed growing concern over cables hanging across footpaths at several locations in Mangaluru city, warning that they pose a serious risk to pedestrian safety despite ongoing efforts to improve civic infrastructure.
The issue has sparked criticism from citizens, who say that while footpaths have been upgraded in many parts of the city, poor cable management by various agencies has undermined both public safety and the city’s image as a Smart City.
Dangling cables obstruct pedestrian movement
Mangaluru is widely recognised as an educational, medical, religious, port, industrial, tourism and beach city. It is also among the country’s Smart Cities. However, residents allege that negligence by certain agencies is gradually affecting the city’s appearance and safety standards.
According to local residents, cables laid by different telecom and utility companies have been strung along electricity poles across several parts of the city. In many places, these cables hang low over pedestrian walkways, resembling creeping vines and obstructing the free movement of people.
In some locations, damaged or broken cables have reportedly been left lying directly on footpaths, creating additional hazards for pedestrians.
Schoolchildren and pedestrians reportedly injured
Residents claim that the dangling and broken cables have already resulted in accidents. Schoolchildren and pedestrians are reportedly among those who have tripped over the cables and sustained minor injuries while using the footpaths.
Citizens argue that the issue has persisted despite repeated complaints and allege that the departments concerned have failed to take timely corrective action.
They contend that footpaths are meant to provide a safe and accessible space for pedestrians, particularly children, senior citizens and persons with disabilities, and that such obstructions defeat their purpose.
Residents seek accountability
The situation has prompted residents to question whether adequate attention was given to public safety when permissions were granted for laying communication cables along city roads.
They have called on the authorities to identify the agencies responsible for leaving cables hanging across pedestrian pathways and to ensure that all such cables are properly secured or removed without delay.
Residents have also urged civic officials to enforce stricter monitoring of cable installations so that infrastructure projects do not compromise public safety.
Call to preserve Smart City image
Citizens have appealed to public representatives and officials, who often highlight Mangaluru’s status as a Smart City, to address the issue on priority.
They have sought coordinated action by the concerned departments to remove unsightly dangling cables, improve pedestrian safety and enhance the city’s overall appearance.
Residents believe that maintaining well-organised public infrastructure is essential not only for safety but also for preserving Mangaluru’s reputation as one of Karnataka’s leading urban centres.
They hope prompt intervention by the authorities will ensure that footpaths remain safe, accessible and free from hazardous obstructions for thousands of people who use them every day.