Jamnagar's power poles double as drying racks, cattle tethering posts
Recently, it came to light that streetlight poles in several areas were doubling up as efficient power supply supports and equally effective fixtures for drying clothes.
In many places, people even tethered their domesticated animals to the poles.
Officials warned that such practices are extremely dangerous, as the live wires in these poles carry between 230 and 440 volts — more than enough to cause serious injury or death.
The JMC issued a public warning that it would not be responsible for damage to property or lives in the event of any untoward incident caused by such personal uses and said it would take stern action against those tampering with this infrastructure.
The civic teams found that residents in densely populated areas such as Harshad Mill ni Chali, Digjam Circle, and Gulabnagar have been using the poles to dry clothes, tether domestic animals like cows and goats, and put up hoardings.
"People tie cords between two poles to hang clothes near their residences. Some even tether their animals to the poles," said Rushabh Mehta, deputy Executive engineer of the JMC light branch.
In some instances, people reportedly tampered with the poles' electrical systems — disconnecting wires, stealing fuses and miniature circuit breakers (MCBs), leaving the junction boxes and power feeding sections exposed. This compromises the poles' protective systems and poses a serious risk of electrocution.
The advisory clearly states: "JMC will not be held responsible for any loss of life or property damage resulting from such behaviour."
Municipal Commissioner DN Modi said, "We issued this warning specifically in view of the monsoon season. With constant moisture, water-logged streets, and wet poles, the chances of electric shocks increase significantly. That's why we urge people to refrain from electric poles and avoid any unsafe activity around them."
Sources within JMC said that as the city's jurisdiction expanded, several semi-urban and rural areas — where residents keep milch animals — were merged into the municipal limits. In these areas, it is common for people to tie animals to public infrastructure. The misuse is also prevalent in the older, high-density parts of the city.
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