The Madras High Court has directed Tangedco to file a report within two weeks on safety measures for overhead electricity lines, following a petition by Coimbatore Consumer Cause citing high electrocution deaths in Tamil Nadu.
Coimbatore: The Madras High Court has directed the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (Tangedco) to submit a report within two weeks detailing the safety measures implemented for overhead electricity lines, including proper guarding and earthing.
This directive comes in response to a petition filed by the Coimbatore Consumer Cause, seeking enforcement of safety norms as prescribed in the Central Electricity Authority Regulations, 2023. The consumer organization approached the court after Tangedco failed to respond to their concerns for nine months.
Kathirmathiyon, secretary of the Coimbatore Consumer Cause, revealed alarming statistics obtained through the Right to Information Act. From 2011 to September 2023, Tamil Nadu recorded 10,718 electrocution deaths, with 2,041 cases attributed to snapping of electricity conductors. Additionally, 324 non-fatal accidents were reported during this period.
The petitioner argued that these fatalities could have been prevented if the department had adhered to the prescribed safety norms. In July 2021, Tangedco issued a circular stating that whenever an accident occurred due to snapping of conductors, the corresponding distribution transformer lines should be inspected.
The consumer body has urged Tangedco to take immediate action to ensure all low tension overhead lines are provided with proper guarding and earthing with transformers. Kathirmathiyon emphasized the need for swift implementation of safety measures, stating, "We also want the court to appoint a committee to oversee the efforts that Tangedco will take in this regard. We know that it is not possible to provide the safety provisions across the State immediately. But, the measures should not be delayed any further."
The High Court's directive for a report from Tangedco is seen as a crucial step towards addressing the pressing issue of electrical safety in Tamil Nadu. The outcome of this case could potentially lead to significant improvements in the state's electrical infrastructure and reduce the number of electrocution-related incidents.
This directive comes in response to a petition filed by the Coimbatore Consumer Cause, seeking enforcement of safety norms as prescribed in the Central Electricity Authority Regulations, 2023. The consumer organization approached the court after Tangedco failed to respond to their concerns for nine months.
Kathirmathiyon, secretary of the Coimbatore Consumer Cause, revealed alarming statistics obtained through the Right to Information Act. From 2011 to September 2023, Tamil Nadu recorded 10,718 electrocution deaths, with 2,041 cases attributed to snapping of electricity conductors. Additionally, 324 non-fatal accidents were reported during this period.
The petitioner argued that these fatalities could have been prevented if the department had adhered to the prescribed safety norms. In July 2021, Tangedco issued a circular stating that whenever an accident occurred due to snapping of conductors, the corresponding distribution transformer lines should be inspected.
The consumer body has urged Tangedco to take immediate action to ensure all low tension overhead lines are provided with proper guarding and earthing with transformers. Kathirmathiyon emphasized the need for swift implementation of safety measures, stating, "We also want the court to appoint a committee to oversee the efforts that Tangedco will take in this regard. We know that it is not possible to provide the safety provisions across the State immediately. But, the measures should not be delayed any further."
The High Court's directive for a report from Tangedco is seen as a crucial step towards addressing the pressing issue of electrical safety in Tamil Nadu. The outcome of this case could potentially lead to significant improvements in the state's electrical infrastructure and reduce the number of electrocution-related incidents.