Bescom saw 10 electrocution cases in just two months

In just two months (April and May, 2017), Bescom registered 10 electrocution cases, of which three were fatal.

According to Bescom officials, there are no independent cases of hazardously dangling wires. It happens because of short circuits conductor failure or when a tree or pole falls because of heavy rain or strong winds.

“However, our staff, during their weekly inspection drives, rectify any dangling wires they come across. Staff are also immediately pressed into action whenever customers complain,” the official maintained.

According to Bescom, 283 accidents were reported in the year 2015-16, of which 132 were fatal. In the year 2016-17, of the 235 accident cases reported, 118 were fatal and in the year 2017-18 (during April and May), Bescom division recorded 50 accidents of which 20 were fatal. Bengaluru alone recorded 56 accident cases in 2015-16, 42 cases in the year 2016-17 and 10 cases during April and May 2017.

Though Energy Minister D K Shivakumar recently announced a revised compensation package, Bescom is still following the old package stating that they are yet to get a new government order.

“According to the present rules, we give Rs 2-lakh compensation in case of fatalities involving people whose age is above 69 years. Compensation to those below 69 years of age is Rs 2 lakh in addition Rs 3,000 per year calculated based on the age of the person before he or she reaches 69. For non-fatal cases, compensation depends on the severity of the injury
and it could be a maximum of Rs 2 lakh,” the official said.

Compensation rules
But in case of Cavin, the energy department top brass has decided to look into the matter. Rajneesh Goel, additional chief secretary, Energy Department, told DH that accident cases are generally handled by the organisations concerned like Bescom or KPTCL. “But I will look into this case immediately and ensure that he gets compensation according to revised rules. Also, strict orders have been issued to the departments to ensure that there are no dangling wires,” he said.

D K Shivakumar had announced that Rs 5-lakh compensation has to be paid in case of fatalities besides payment of full medical bills based on the report of the health department.