Digging still a problem for DoT

VADODARA, Aug 16: After lack of communication, it is the absence of records pertaining to the laying of telephone cables in Vadodara in t...

VADODARA, Aug 16: After lack of communication, it is the absence of records pertaining to the laying of telephone cables in Vadodara in the past which is now impeding efforts to prevent cables from being damaged during digging by the municipal workers.

Department of Telecom DoT officials disclosed that since old records were not available, it was becoming increasingly difficult to prevent damages to the cables during the road widening projects in the city. 8220;In some areas the VMC has informed us about the digging well in advance and we did despatch our officials but since there is no specific record about the depth at which the cables have been laid in the past, the cables get damaged during mechanical digging,8221; admitted the General Manager of the DoT, Vadodara division, Rakesh Babu.

Also, at various places, he said, the cables had not been placed on a uniform basis and preventing damage to the cables was a difficult proposition. 8220;Even if the digging was carried out carefully, chances of damage are still greater,8221; he said.

According to officials, 200 telephone lines recently went out of order in the Gotri-Vasna link road area because of this factor. Not long back about 100 telephone lines got snapped in Waghodia Road area again due to digging. Babu, however, said that the telecom officials were immediately rushing to the spot and carrying out the necessary repairs.

Telecom officials pointed out that with large number of cables being laid in the past, it would be a difficult exercise to ensure that the disruption rate remained low. 8220;About 40 per cent of the areas still have the old cables. And it would mean that we would face large number of disruptions in the future as well,8221; disclosed a senior telecom official on condition of anonymity.

But Babu said that with more and more faults coming to the surface the telecom department was now replacing the old cables with new ones, which were being placed deep enough. 8220;We will be replacing the cables ones they come to the surface during digging. Though it will take little longer to replace all the old cables but we will certainly do it so that the faults in future are minimised,8221; the GM said.

Telecom officials agreed that a proper map specifying the depth at which the cables are laid in various parts of the city could be of immense help for officials to prepare for any eventuality. 8220;Had we been in possession of a cable map we would have taken adequate care in the area during digging,8221; an official said.