Question : Theft and Damage to Telephone Cables

(a) whether Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) has taken steps to prevent theft of telephone cables and damage to the underground cables;

(b) if so, the details thereof along with the cases reported for theft and damage of underground cables during the last three years and the current year;

(c) the action taken against those involved and found doing so;

(d) whether the telephones remain out of order for long due to damage to the underground cables; and

(e) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto along with the corrective steps taken by the Government in this regard?

THE MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(SHRI RAVI SHANKAR PRASAD)

(a) & (b) Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) have taken the following steps to prevent theft of telephone cables and damage to the underground cables:

• Patrolling is being done along the cable route during night to minimize the cable theft.
• Close co-ordination is being maintained with other civic agencies and proper monitoring of digging by other agencies.
• Cable theft alarms are provided in some areas
• Regular meetings of BSNL and MTNL officials with police authorities are being held.
• Police complaints are lodged immediately for investigation and preventive action.

Circle-wise details of number of cases of theft and damage of underground cables reported during the last three years and the current year by BSNL and MTNL are given in Annexure.

(c) First Information Reports (FIRs) are being lodged by BSNL and MTNL as and when the cable theft incidence comes into notice.

(d) & (e) Immediate action is initiated for the restoration of services and sincere efforts are made by BSNL and MTNL to rectify the cable fault at the earliest. BSNL has also reported that Wireless in Local Loop (WLL)/Fixed Wireless Terminal (FWT) is offered in case telephone remains out of order for long period due to damage to the underground cable.