17-06-2025
KSEB halts building construction near high-tension line
T'puram: Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) directed Karakulam Service Cooperative Bank and builders concerned to immediately halt unauthorised construction activities near a 220kV extra high tension (EHT) power line in Karakulam, citing violations of electrical safety regulations and risks to public safety.
Following a complaint filed by Environmental Protection and Research Council, KSEB officials from the transmission division conducted a site inspection on June 6. The inspection revealed that Karakulam Service Cooperative Bank was constructing a convention centre near Karakulam Bridge Junction on the way to Kachani.
The site was located directly beneath the right of way (RoW) of the 220kV Pothencode–Kattakada line, between tower locations 61 and 62.
According to the Central Electricity Authority Regulations, 2023, Section 63 explicitly prohibits construction directly under high-tension power lines. Furthermore, any such construction within the RoW requires prior approval from the electrical inspectorate.
KSEB formally directed the bank and the builders to halt construction activities until the necessary permissions are secured. The assistant executive engineer (in charge) clarified that failure to comply with the directive would place full legal and safety responsibility on the party undertaking the construction. Any damage or loss resulting from continuing the work in violation of the safety norms would solely be the responsibility of the party concerned.
The board also directed the authorities to submit all required documents for review by the electrical inspectorate before any further activity is resumed.
