JOIN USAhead of the Independence Day celebrations, power distribution companies on Thursday reminded people to be careful while flying kites as the otherwise innocuous activity can prove hazardous, even fatal at times.
The widespread use of metal-coated strings or manjha, poses a great danger, being a good conductor of electricity.
It can be fatal not only to the person flying the kite, but also poses a risk to the electricity supply of an area.
Each year, there are several instances on both counts. “People should celebrate the Independence Day. But they should do it responsibly,” said a BSES spokesperson.
“Residents are advised not to fly kites near electricity installations, including overhead cables and certainly not use metal coated manjhas. These two simple mantras will ensure safe I-Day celebrations. Any carelessness can lead to a major power failure, blackout and even electrocution,” he added.
Even though disrupting power supply and causing damage to power equipment is punishable under the Electricity Act and the Delhi Police Act, there seems to be little consideration shown for the law as well as power supply.