Electrical safety is important for Vinayaka Chavithi celebrations

WARANGAL: With Vinayaka Chavithi on September 14, the Mulugu circle has stepped up pre-emptive measures to prevent electrical accidents during Ganesh mandap setups, decorative lighting, idol processions and immersion events, Circle Superintending Engineer B. Bikshapathi said.

“While celebration and joy are important, the safety of every individual is even more critical. Even a small lapse can turn fatal. Hence, everyone must remain alert on electrical safety,” Bikshapathi stressed.

Special checks on immersion routes

Taking into account the height of idols, cranes, trucks and other heavy vehicles, electrical staff have been directed to conduct field-level surveys of immersion routes in advance. Lines, poles, transformers and other electrical equipment along the route will be inspected, and any hazardous or low-hanging lines identified for immediate technical action, he said.

Special care must be taken to ensure tall idols, cranes and heavy vehicles do not come into contact with overhead lines, and route inspections should be completed and verified through concerned officials before processions begin, the SE added.

Maintain safe distance from power lines

Bikshapathi warned that carrying Ganesh idols, cranes, metal frames or decorative material close to electrical lines is extremely dangerous. Even without direct contact, approaching a live wire can lead to electric shock or induction-related accidents, he explained.

If people spot snapped wires, loose lines, bent poles or any other hazardous conditions at mandaps, immersion routes or on main roads, they should not touch them and instead immediately inform authorities by calling the toll-free number 1912, he urged.

Safety norms for mandap decorations

Mandap organisers have been advised to strictly follow safety standards while setting up electrical decorations. Connections should be obtained only through official electrical staff, and only ISI-marked wires and equipment should be used, with appropriately rated MCBs and protection devices installed, Bikshapathi said.

Damaged wires, loose joints and temporary tape-based connections must not be used; wiring should be kept away from water and moisture. During rains, wet wires, switches and electrical appliances should not be touched, and children should be kept away from poles, wires and other electrical installations, he added.

Monitoring of cable wires

The SE also directed coordination with cable operators and internet service providers to ensure TV, internet and other cables do not hang in a tangled manner or at low heights on electrical poles. In areas expected to see heavy festival crowds, such wires will be specially inspected and hazardous conditions removed, he said.

Electrical safety is everyone’s responsibility

Bikshapathi appealed to the public and mandap organisers to cooperate with TGNPDCL staff and adhere to electrical safety rules. He called on everyone to remain vigilant and ensure Vinayaka Chavithi celebrations are conducted with devotion and joy, and above all, without any electrical accidents.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

KOTHA RAMESH

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