Bescom to insulate wires

The Bescom will remove electric wires hanging near the balconies of houses on narrow roads and those posing a danger to people in slums.

The electricity company is embarking upon a Rs 350-crore project to insulate all high-tension and low-tension wires.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, Ramesh Kumar, General Manager (Procurement), Bescom said: “About five months ago, the KERC had issued a directive that we look into this matter.

“Following up on that, we have identified places that are facing this problem and will soon implement the insulation project.”

He admitted that increasing number of electrocutions, including of those from the department, is a growing concern.

Bescom has already called for a tender to replace HT and LT wires with aerially-bunched wires, which will be insulated, he said.

“The bidding process will close in the first week of July and we should be able to identify the right vendor by the end of July. From there on it will take us about a year-and-a-half to replace wires in all the identified areas,” he pointed out.

In 2012 alone (up to June 4), 17 persons have lost their lives and as many as 32 accidents have been reported.

On March 13, R Hanumaiah, a food inspector was electrocuted in Kamakshipalya while trying to remove a coconut frond fallen on the electric wire in front of his house.

Awareness programme

“We have several programmes to create awareness among people. They need to understand that it could be fatal even if they get anywhere in the three-five metre range from these wires. Hopefully, the insulation will help reduce such incidents,” a source said.

In the last ten years, out of the 1,822 persons electrocuted or injured, 963 are citizens and 80 Bescom employees with several more having been injured seriously.

Besides, 637 animals are reported to have been electrocuted or injured. 

Bescom Managing Director Manivanan exuded confidence that the project would be completed in time.

Sources said: “This will not only benefit the citizens but also the company. By insulating these wires, we are also ruling out the possibility of people drawing power from these lines directly.”

In slums and economically weaker neighbourhoods, where cases of electricity theft are high, the insulation of the wires will allow Bescom to reduce such incidents.