Families of electricity department linemen in Goa are increasingly urging their loved ones to leave their jobs due to mounting fears for their safety. Citing 59 injuries and 9 deaths in recent times, Poriem MLA Deviya Rane raised the issue in the Assembly during a Calling Attention Motion, demanding strict safety protocols for field workers.
Power Minister Sudin Dhavalikar, however, clarified that these fatalities were not due to departmental negligence but rather inverter feedback from private installations.
The concern reflects a larger crisis. In the past five years, Goa has reported 71 electrocution deaths—including five linemen in 2023 alone. Allegations of linemen working without protective gear have intensified scrutiny over training and safety practices in the electricity department.
In response, the government is introducing advanced safety measures, including the procurement of 100 smart helmets and smartwatches developed by Goa Engineering College, which detect live wires and electrical hazards. Inquiry reports into recent accidents are also underway to identify failures and guide corrective action.
Still, activists and citizens argue that the root problems—systemic negligence, inadequate accountability, and lax enforcement—remain unaddressed. They are demanding comprehensive reforms, from better training and modern safety gear to a culture of responsibility and ethical oversight.
Despite government assurances, the persistent fatalities and slow reforms continue to fuel fear and anxiety among linemen’s families, showing the urgent need for decisive, human-centered safety interventions.