The Local Government Minister, Punjab, Navjot Singh Sidhu has directed the municipal authorities throughout the state to go all out to ensure that the misuse of the municipal properties by the cable network operators for laying of cables is immediately put to a stop.In a statement, the minister said that the directions have been issued to the Commissioners of all Municipal Corporations, Executive Officers of the Municipal Councils/Nagar Panchayats and the Regional Deputy Directors of the Urban Local Bodies to make sure that the rule of law is followed by anybody intending to make use of municipal property.Divulging more, the minister said that it was brought to his notice yesterday in the Vidhan Sabha that the cable network operators cause a damage to the municipal infrastructure i.e. roads/streets/water supply/sewerage networks by digging them for laying of underground cables.
He elaborated that anybody intending to use municipal property is required to take permission from the Municipal Corporation/Council/Nagar Panchayats and the concerned urban local bodies are required to charge fees for according such permissions.Mr. Sidhu also disclosed that he has instructed the municipal authorities across the entire state to verify if cable network operators within their respective jurisdiction have obtained required permissions and if that is the case then send the copy of the application submitted by the operator and copy of permission granted along with proof of charges paid by 27-6-2017.The minister also said that in case the requisite permissions have not been taken or charges not deposited then necessary action in as per the municipal acts must be taken and a report must be sent by 27-6-2017.Mr. Sidhu also said that he has also written to the Power, Irrigation, Information and Public Relations and Excise & Taxation Departments for necessary action in this regard.