Qaiser Dar
Srinagar 30 December (KNB): The installation of power transformers at low heights without proper encasing, has made people vulnerable to a deadly threat in several localities of Srinagar.
In many areas, like Raj’bagh, Parray’pora, Bemina, Batamaloo, these power transformers are installed on roads at such a low height that even a child could reach out to it. Electric cables without proper insulation are bulging out that even a passer-by could easily get in contact with it.
Lack of professionalism and concept of installation from the Power Development Department (PDD) engineers has gone unnoticed for years but finally the residents of said areas are demanding immediate solution of the problem.
A resident of Batamaloo told Kashmir News Bureau that even though adults can understand the risk of touching these naked wires or even getting close to it, then there are children who play on these streets and can’t comprehend the dangers these transformers and power lines possess.
The resident said, “We’ve only spoken to the on ground workers regarding the issue, who barely have any powers in the department. Nobody raises their voice over these issues cause that’s how these power transformers have been there for years.”
It is the disappointing reality of the society we live in, where the Power transformers used to distribute electricity to the consumers for making ‘life’ simpler, has become a threat to it.
Engineers who have inappropriately installed these electrical devices seem to lack the basic knowledge of a society. A society comprises children, specially abled ones, animals that roam around; all are vulnerable to hazardous consequences of getting in contact with these low lying power transformers and naked electrical wires.
Speaking to Kashmir News Bureau, Ajaz Ahmad Dar Chief Engineer PDD Kashmir said that under a proper scheme the department is going to make changes to the manner of installation of the electrical transformers.
He said, “We’ll be replacing these naked wires and install proper switches to reduce the loss of electricity and control the damage rate of the transformer as well as improve the safety measures.”
“Maybe in a few cases these transformers are installed at a low height. I’ll direct the officers of my department to conduct a survey and wherever transformers are found to be lying low, will elevate them to an appropriate height,” he added. (KNB)
