(a) the number of incidents of theft of telephone cables during the last three years;
(b) the amount of loss incurred as a result thereof during the above period; and
(c) the steps taken by the Government to curb such incidents of theft along with the results achieved?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS
AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (DR. SHAKEEL AHMAD)
(a) Sir, during the last three years, total incidents of theft of telephone cables reported by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) are 7110 and 514 respectively.
(b) Amount of loss incurred as a result thereof during the above period was approximately Rs. 1040 lakhs in BSNL and Rs. 384 lakhs in MTNL.
(c) Following steps have been taken by BSNL and MTNL to curb such incidence of theft:
i) Regular patrolling of important cable routes. Police authorities have also been requested to intensify the patrolling in theft prone routes.
ii) Diversion of routes of theft prone cable.
iii) Lodging FIRs at concerned Police Stations.
iv) Persuasion with the Police to check theft of cables.
v) Posting of security guards at cable dumps.
vi) Coordination with local bodies to minimize the theft.
vii) Manholes are locked to protect cable from any theft.
viii) GI pipes are used to protect the cable from damage/theft crossing over nalas/canals.
ix) RCC protection is used for the cables passing over the bridge to prevent theft/damage.