The repeated cases of electrocution in the city have put the spotlight on constructions in close proximity to electricity-related installations.
According to a recent survey by Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL), as many as 7,735 buildings across the city were built in violation of the electricity grid code.
Out of 830 km of high tension wire (HTW) lines in the city, there are buildings in close proximity along 260 km. This means 31.32% of the total length of HTWs in the city has construction close to HT lines.
S. Selva Kumar, MD, KPTCL, said that the height of HTWs from the ground is generally 12 metres. Horizontal clearance along the lines is 2.3 metres. If the clearance is less than 1 metre, then the building is in danger, he said.
“Construction right under high tension wires is prohibited. However, many buildings in the city are either directly under high tension wires or in close proximity, leading to fatalities,” he said.
In the wake of recent deaths due to electrocution caused by high and extra high voltage wires, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is mulling demolishing buildings that are in dangerous proximity to high tension wires and extra high tension wires, an official said.
Both KPTCL and Bescom have started issuing notices of disconnection to buildings close to high tension wires and extra high tension wires. However, lack of planning and cooperation between government agencies, such as Bescom, KPTCL and BBMP, is being cited as the the main reason for the lack of stringent action taken violators of the law.
Bescom and KPTCL officials claimed that most accidents are due to negligence on the part of the victims.
“Electricity lines in the city were laid at least 40 years ago. The buildings where accidents are occurring were built later, violating the grid code. This has to be taken up by the BBMP. The only solution to this problem is to stop construction in close proximity to high voltage wires,” a KPTCL official said, adding that such construction also disrupts the operations and maintenance of lines.
On the other hand, BBMP Commissioner N. Manjunath Prasad told The Hindu said that BBMP had not given permission for new construction close to high tension wires. “Strict action will be taken against those who have violated the law,” he said.
To avoid accidents, don’t...
Build close to high tension wires
Climb trees close to high tension wires
Carry long objects in vehicles