Dangling electric wires to be removed before Basant

LAHORE:

The Punjab government has decided to launch underground electric cabling in Lahore in the first phase of measures to prevent short circuits and fatal accidents caused by hazardous overhead wires.

Chairing a meeting, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif approved a citywide plan to remove dangling and unsafe electricity wires, directing that a pilot project be completed in the inner city ahead of the Basant to avert any untoward incidents during the festival.

The participants reviewed proposals to divide Lahore into three zones for phased underground cabling.

A decision was taken in principle to make underground electricity supply mandatory for all new housing schemes.

The chief minister directed authorities to ensure alternative arrangements for internet and other affected services during the cabling process.

Seeking a permanent solution to fires and loss of life caused by short circuits, CM Maryam Nawaz called for an emergency safety plan to address electrical hazards across the province.

Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) officials said during a briefing that about 40,000 kilometres of electric wires and 50,000km of internet cables were spread across Lahore.

The chief minister said the government wanted to prevent incidents like the Gul Plaza fire in Karachi, stressing that public safety was a fundamental responsibility of the state. She noted that exposed power cables often become a cause of accidents during rainfall, posing serious risks to citizens.

"Dangling electricity wires are not only visually unpleasant but a constant threat to human lives," she said.

A steering committee was constituted on the chief minister's directions to oversee the initiative. The committee includes Provincial Minister Faisal Khokhar, representatives from LESCO, housing and local government departments, and senior administrative officers.

Meanwhile, Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari stated that strict standard operating procedures (SOPs) would be implemented during the Basant Festival to ensure the safety of citizens enjoying the celebration in a safe, pleasant and responsible environment. The festival will be celebrated in Lahore from February 6 to 8.

She reiterated that the government considers public happiness, preservation of cultural heritage, and protection of citizens' lives and property as its foremost priorities, which is why the concept of a "Mehfooz Basant" is being implemented.