Date:29/08/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/08/29/stories/2007082958960300.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

‘The child could have been electrocuted’

Bangalore: In response to Public Eye feature on safety of electrical network in the city, K.R. Dorai of 2nd Main Road, 7th Block, Jayanagar, says: The report “BESCOM: Watt a shocking state of affairs” is a real eye opener to everybody concerned and in spite of similar articles appearing in newspapers, nothing seems to be happening to rectify the situation.

There is a switch board of streetlights fixed on the ground level on the footpath in front of my house. The switch board has no switch but there is a live wire which is hooked and unhooked everyday by a lineman. It is fully exposed and there is the danger of anyone getting electrocuted. The other day I had to run and prevent a child from trying to pull the wire hook. Had I had not noticed, the child would have been electrocuted.

G.S. Narayan of Jayanagar 4th T Block says: Poles carrying power lines will be leaning dangerously in different directions like the Tower of Pisa. A slight pressure may lead to short circuit. Unskilled labourers, wearing no uniforms, are sent to attend complaints. BESCOM should ensure that linemen wear uniforms and display ID card and carry necessary equipment.