Lahore (Bureau Report): Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has launched practical measures to protect the province from short circuits, electric shocks, and fire incidents caused by hanging and disorganized electric wires. In the first phase of the master plan, the capital city Lahore will be freed from dangerous and dangling electric wires. To prevent unpleasant incidents during Basant, the removal of hazardous overhead wires in the inner city will be formally initiated.
The Chief Minister has instructed that alternative electricity supply be ensured during the underground wiring operation to save citizens from the inconvenience of load shedding. Additionally, Lahore is being divided into three zones to gradually shift power lines underground, and the proposal for phased underground wiring is under review. It has been decided in principle that new and existing housing schemes will require underground wiring. A steering committee has also been established to oversee this project, including Provincial Minister Faisal Khokhar, LESCO officials, housing and local government authorities, and administrative officers.
To permanently prevent fires caused by short circuits and the loss of precious lives, CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif has also requested an emergency safety plan. LESCO officials briefed that Lahore currently has approximately 40,000 km of electric wires and 50,000 km of internet cables spread across the city.
Furthermore, CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif emphasized that the government wants to prevent disasters like Karachi’s Gul Plaza incident, as the protection of citizens is the state’s foremost responsibility. During rains, electric wires are causing accidents, and these disorganized wires are not only an eyesore but also pose a constant threat to human life.