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New Indian Express
29-07-2025
- New Indian Express
Kerala records 66 electrocution deaths in four months amid safety failures
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state has reported a worrying spike in electrical accident deaths, with 66 people losing their lives between April 1 and July 20 this year. Among them, eight deaths were caused by snapped power lines alone. This number -- in just four months -- matches the total from the previous financial year and far exceeds earlier figures. In 2022-23, there were 12 such deaths in the entire year, and eight in 2023-24. Malappuram has reported the highest number of snapped wire deaths this year, with three cases. Kozhikode reported two while Ernakulam, Kollam, and Thrissur reported one each. G Vinod, chief electrical inspector with the state electrical inspectorate, has pointed to the absence of spacers as a major reason for snapped conductors. 'These spacers are designed to keep wires apart and prevent them from falling to the ground. Their absence has made the lines more vulnerable, especially during rain and wind,' Vinod told TNIE. Other major causes of death include accidental contact with live wires, negligence in following safety protocols, faulty appliances, unauthorised electrical work, temporary wiring, and overhead line crossings. 'Another persistent danger is the lack of Residual Current Circuit Breakers (RCCBs) or Earth Leakage Circuit Breakers (ELCBs) in many households. These devices can prevent electrocution by detecting current leakage and automatically cutting off power. Although made mandatory in 2023, many older homes still lack them,' the officer pointed out. Even after July 20, the fatalities have continued. Over the past two days, four more people died in separate incidents across the state. In Kasaragod, an elderly dairy farmer was electrocuted by a fallen power line in his field.
Indian Express
26-06-2025
- Climate
- Indian Express
Monsoon safety: BSES issues a handy advisory for Delhiites
Written by Shreyashi Gupta, With the Southwest monsoon likely to hit Delhi any day now, the BSES on Thursday issued an advisory urging all citizens to remain vigilant and follow essential safety precautions — including maintaining a safe distance from electrical installations — to help ensure a safe and incident-free season. A BSES official said, 'We are fully geared up to ensure a reliable power supply to our over 53 lakh consumers and more than 2.25 crore residents, while taking all necessary safety measures required during the rainy season. Consumers, too, have an important role to play in ensuring an incident-free monsoon by following a few simple safety guidelines. We urge all residents to stay alert, be cautious around electrical installations, and report any safety hazards promptly.' The monsoon season ushers in several safety challenges — torrential rain, waterlogging, strong winds, and falling branches can pose serious risks to electrical infrastructure. To tackle such potential problems, the BSES will set up war rooms and deploy Quick Response Teams to assist in tackling exigencies. It will also launch a social media campaign to sensitise consumers on safety precautions. The BSES has also warned that it may sometimes need to switch off power in vulnerable areas to safeguard lives and prevent equipment damage. -Residents should maintain a safe distance from electrical installations such as electricity poles, sub-stations, transformers, and streetlights, especially when areas are waterlogged. -Children should be strictly cautioned against playing near such installations, even if they appear barricaded, and to avoid playing in parks submerged in rainwater. -Households are encouraged to have all electrical wiring on their premises thoroughly checked and tested by a licensed electrical contractor (LEC). -In case of water seepage or flooding in the meter cabin, residents should immediately switch off the main power supply. The power should be turned back on only after ensuring all faults have been properly rectified. -Experts also recommend the installation of Earth Leakage Circuit Breakers (ELCBs), which can help prevent electric shocks and other mishaps. -Keeping a voltage tester at home is also advisable. If any switch or socket appears wet, residents should first use a tester to check for current leakage and must refrain from touching it with their bare hands. In case of doubt or emergency, a licensed electrician should be called in immediately. BSES also warned that power theft can pose a serious safety hazard, especially during the monsoon season, and has therefore appealed to all citizens to report such instances and not illegally draw electricity by hooking onto mainlines or electrical equipment. It also pointed out that unplanned digging for road repairs or underground pipelines leads to outages, posing a major safety threat both for residents and workers. Therefore, citizens must report any such activities to prevent accidents and service disruptions. BSES has also issued a list of emergency contact numbers for different parts of the city: For South & West Delhi: 19123 or 011-49516707 For East & Central Delhi: 19122 or 011-41999808 In addition to these helplines, power supply disruptions can be reported to BSES through multiple channels, including mobile apps, WhatsApp, and the official website. (Shreyashi Gupta & Anushka Srivastava are interns with The Indian Express)
