Power cables turn deathtraps in Telangana

MAHBUBNAGAR: Electricity poles and transformers are fast emerging as a major deathtrap in rural areas across Telangana. About 250 people, mostly farmers, died due to electric shock in Mahbubnagar, Nalgonda, Khammam and Medak districts alone since March 15. In fact, four electrocution cases were reported in the last two days in the state.
According to experts, delay in replacement of old poles and overhead electric lines, lack of maintenance of transformers and frequent fluctuation in voltage have taken a heavy toll on people, especially those engaged in farming in these districts.
Mahbubnagar district tops the electrocution toll with 65 people succumbing to shocks. It is followed by Nalgonda (57), Medak (55) and Khammam (53). In fact, death due to electrocution is the most common cause of mortality among farmers after suicides.
Electricity officials pointed out that power cables from sub-stations to transformers should be replaced every 25 years. But in many cases, the cables have not been changed even after 35 years. There are many `cuts and joints' in the cables, affecting the voltage. There have also been several instances of overhead electricity wires falling on unsuspecting victims.
Farmers in Nagarkurnool assembly constituency recall that the main power line in the area was erected in the early 1970s.“The cable needs to be replaced.This particular line has claimed many lives,“ said a local farmer Venugopal Rao.
Mahbubnagar Transco superintending engineer S Ramulu, however, blames the farmers.“They are attending to repairs themselves without taking expert assistance. One should not fix electricity issues on their own,“ he said.
He admitted that the load on transformers has increased drastically due to illegal connections.He also admitted that many old cables and electric poles need to be replaced. “We have taken up the work. It will be completed in phases. All old lines and transformers will be replaced to improve the quality of power supply ,“ he said.
Times View
Deaths due to electric shocks can be avoided if a little care is taken.Farmers should be given safety tips on handling agricultural pumpsets.The government should crack down on illegal tapping of power from high tension lines. All old lines and transformers should be replaced immediately to save precious lives.