PONDA: The recent electrocution of a Ponda local highlighted the dangers of bunching TV cables with power lines. Yet, the government continues to allow it. Many residents are now refusing cable connections for their houses via electricity poles until separate poles for cables are installed.
Executive Engineer D P Sing said that according to a government circular, cable operators had to deposit money with the department to use the power poles. In case of accidents, even those resulting in death or disability, the cable operator would be held responsible.
A local, Viraj Sapre, stated that the government was putting people’s lives at risk and shaking off responsibility at the same time. He said, “The government should ask cable operators to start underground cabling or erect separate poles. There is always danger of cables coming in contact with live power wires. In case of roads accidents, there is a danger of the power lines snapping and falling on the cables.”
Four days ago, a youth was electrocuted while handling a TV cable at his house in Kerim, Ponda. As the image quality on the TV was not clear, he disconnected the cable, and while reconnecting it, was electrocuted. Three years ago a youth came in contact with a high-tension line while repairing his cable.
Viraj also informed that he had filed an RTI with the electricity department and found that the department had not given any NOC to string TV cables from power poles. He said it was negligence and irresponsibility on the government’s part.
Former MLA Vishwas Satarkar said, “Four days ago, Kerim locals informed me that a youth had been electrocuted while handling a cable. Around two hundred villagers were demanding action against either the cable operator or the electricity department. Finally they forced the cable operator to pay some Rs 2.5 lakh as compensation to the victim’s family. Utmost care needs to be taken to avoid such accidents.”
Ponda councillor Venkatesh Naik said the electricity department should not allow the use of electricity poles for TV cables, especially in the monsoons. He suggested that the cable poles be set up on the other side of the road in the public’s and the cable operators’ interest.
