Kulgam, August 17: Exposing sheer negligence on the part of PDD, a majority of transformers across Kulgam district are without mandatory security fence, leaving people and stray animals vulnerable and an open invitation to disaster.
Severel areas in Kulgam district electric transformers can be found in markets, in front of shops, near residential areas and public places installed by the PDD are without mandatory security fence, an open invitation to disaster. Even power lines have become death traps for commuters as they remain uncovered and dangle on the road.
As per the Electricity Act, and the Indian electricity rules, it has been clearly mentioned on electrical installations that there should be a minimum distance of 2.5 metres on lines passing over flat roofs, open balcony, and 3.7 metres for high voltage lines up to 33kV.
“Majority of transformers have been installed very close to the ground with low-lying wires posing a grave threat to lives of people, particularly children”, sources said.
Locals demanded that immediate action should be taken by the dept to fence the transformers before any untoward incident.
Executive Engineer, PDD Kulgam Ab Hamid Akhoon when contacted admitted that fence to transformers was not included in the Phase-1 of Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), launched by Government of India, adding he would take up the matter with higher ups to incorporate fence to transformers in RDSS Phase-2 for safety of people.
