PONDA: The accidental damage to high tension lines by sewerage workers during excavation for sewage pipes in Dhavalim has raised concerns among locals about potential disasters and the lack of coordination between various departments engaged in development work. The incident had plunged Dhavalim into darkness for several hours, prompting residents to question the safety of underground utility services passing closely in the same direction. The incident also led to the damage of a water line at the same spot, causing inconvenience to residents.
Despite the power being restored after rigorous efforts, the incident has brought to the forefront the need for enhanced safety measures during development projects.
Viraj Sapre from Ponda emphasised the importance of coordination during excavation work for development projects. He highlighted the absence of ducts for passing utility services and pointed out instances where natural gas lines, water lines, power cables, and sewerage lines are positioned one above another underground. Sapre stressed that development should not compromise the safety and well-being of people and workers.
The issue of damaged gas lines disrupting supply and posing risks during recent digging work in various places in Ponda was also raised. Sapre urged departments to draw coordinated plans, layouts, and coordinate with each other to prevent untoward incidents in the future. “The gas line and power lines should not be in the same direction but should be installed on opposite sides of the road. Similarly, the water pipes and power cables should not be close to each other, to avoid shocks,” he asserted.
Dhavalim locals reported that the worker operating the excavation machine not only damaged the power cables but also received a shock when his machine hit the cable. Fortunately, the worker escaped injury.
Despite attempts to contact the Sewerage Corporation engineer for comments on the issue, no response was received.
