Forum appeals for electrical distribution rearrangements in India
Guwahati: 6th August, 2017
Patriotic People’s Front Assam (PPFA) expresses concern over
the deaths of many individuals due to electrocution in India and
calls for a debate to change the standard domestic voltages from 240
(alternate current with 50 hertz) to 120 or even lower in volt
differences.
India as a nation witnesses nearly 10000 people killed annually
because of electrocution. Accidental electrocution (including few
suicidal attempts) cases are reportedly high in Madhya Pradesh,
Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Andhra
Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Jharkhand, Kerala, Odisha,
Uttarkhand, Assam etc.
The faulty high voltage wiring arrangement also kills dozens of
animals like elephants, tigers, sloth bears, monkeys, flamingos,
peacocks etc. Not less than 350 elephants died in the country because
of electrocution during the last five years. The list includes
casualties of over 180 flamingos, 65 leopards, 20 tigers, 15 sloth
bears, 10 lions etc in the same period.
Assam lost 979 human lives due to electrocution since 2001-02, where
the highest number of electrocution casualties (88) was recorded in
2016-17. More shockingly the State witnessed 57 electrocution related
deaths in the last four months (April, May, June and July 2017).
“The statistics relating to electrocution deaths remain appalling. We
believe that a pragmatic action plan over the layout of high voltage
live wires, its timely maintenance, adequate public awareness over the
use of electrical appliances safely in the country becomes the need of
the hour,” said a statement issued by the forum.
Endorsed by many qualified engineers, the statement added that the use
of bamboo or other living trees to carry out the electrical wires
should (must) be stopped and the Assam Power Distribution Company Ltd
must replace all such temporary poles across the State with prescribed
posts.
The forum also insists on using proper fuse wires (or other protective
arrangements) as a precautionary measure in all electrical systems.
Replacing thin fuse wires of low current rating with aluminum
conductors ( or other wires) of high current rating in low to medium
voltage electrical equipments is nothing but inviting a disaster,
claimed the statement.
“As the electrical wiring can create public health hazards, the
authority must deal with the safety issue in right perspective. The
State electricity department should create a responsive safety
department along with trained safety officers at the earliest,”
pointed out the forum.
Mentioning about the future need of energy the government should
encourages more alternate sources like solar power in the country,
particularly for northeastern States with hilly terrains, forest
covers with visible presence of wildlife, where the laying of high
voltage wires for longer distances always invites difficulties, opined
the forum.
Where possible, the underground laying of live wires, instead of
overhead electrical distribution system, should be encouraged. The
underground wiring system should be separated from other utility
services including the sewage canals by a reasonable margin to avoid
adversities, it opined.
“Finally India should debate whether 110/120 volt may be an adoptable
option in place of present 220/240 volt to reduce the fatality of the
system. At least developed nations like USA, UK and even our Asian
friend Japan use lower volt lines to reduce the risk factors,” stated
the forum.
Otherwise, two independent live/phases (each of 110/120 volt) with one
neutral wire arrangement can be adopted where the customers may opt
for single phase line only to use in lighting (preferably with LED
bulbs), digital screening of television, computer, mobile phones etc
and low watt fans. Others, who prefer to use heavy electrical
appliances, may go for multi-phase supply lines.
“We understand that it would be a major policy shift for a country
like India involving a huge volume of resources with adequate
preparedness. But if India as a nation prefers to put its weight in
favour of precious human lives, we must actively debate over the matter. The qualified engineers, in
particular, should come out with pragmatic ideas for an adoptable resolution,” concluded the statement.
Endorsed by Gandhian Natwar Thakkar, Dr Gopal Krishna (Citizens Forum
for Civil Liberties), senior advocate Upamanyu Hazarika, eminent
author-journalist-citizens Paranjoy Guha Thakurta, Monalisa Changkija,
Rupam Barua, Saleem Samad, Bidhayak Das, Dr SI Ahmed, Dr Jagadindra
Raichoudhury, Dr Buljit Buragohain, Dhiraj Goswami, Pramod Kalita,
Anup Sarma, Ujjal Saikia, Er Tridip Sarma, Er Islamul H. Mandal, Er
Vikramjit Kakati, Er Kushal Chandra Deka, Er Nava J. Thakuria etc for
PPFA
* This Press Release was sent to e-pao.net by Patriotic People’s Front Assam (PPFA) who can be contacted at tnavajyoti(AT)gmail(DOT)com
This Press Release was posted on August 07 2017
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