Raipur: The onset of the rainy season increases the risk of accidents caused by electric shock. Every year, numerous accidents—sometimes even fatal ones—occur due to contact with electricity poles, HT lines, broken wires, and electrical equipment. To prevent such incidents, the Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company Limited has issued a safety advisory urging citizens to exercise special caution. The company stated that even minor negligence can lead to serious accidents; therefore, people should maintain a safe distance from power lines, transformers, and other electrical equipment and avoid tampering with them in any way. If electricity poles, wires, or other equipment appear damaged during storms or rain, the matter should be immediately reported to the company’s toll-free number (1912), the ‘Mor Bijli’ app, or the nearest distribution center or zonal office. Stay away from electricity poles, wires, and transformers during the rain. There is a risk of electric current spreading through water near electrical wires or equipment; avoid walking or swimming in water in such areas. Keep hands and feet dry and wear rubber or plastic footwear when using electrical equipment. The department stated that inspections and necessary maintenance of all feeders, transformers, and power lines were completed prior to the rainy season; nevertheless, vigilance on the part of citizens remains essential.
Observe these precautions to avoid accidents:
Use only high-quality electrical equipment in homes, fields, and other locations. Do not energize farm or garden fences or barbed wire; doing so is not only illegal but can also be fatal, and legal action may be taken against the person responsible. Do not attempt to repair faults in power lines, transformers, or other equipment yourself. Do not undertake permanent or temporary construction beneath or near power lines, and always maintain a safe distance. If you find a broken electric wire lying on the ground or in a river, drain, or pond, maintain a safe distance from it and immediately inform the concerned lineman, Junior Engineer, or call the toll-free number 1912 to have the power supply cut off. Do not use electricity unauthorizedly by hooking onto power lines. Do not use electric poles or stay wires to dry clothes, and ensure that clotheslines are kept at a safe distance from power lines. Do not use damaged or frayed wires for temporary electrical connections, and prevent children from playing near electrical equipment and lines.
What to do if someone suffers an electric shock:
First, immediately cut off the power supply by turning off the main switch. If turning off the switch is not possible, separate the victim from the source of electricity using dry wood, a dry rope, or dry cloth; do not attempt to touch them directly. Lay the victim down in a dry place and administer first aid; provide artificial respiration if necessary and arrange for immediate transport to the nearest hospital. A.K. Ambastha, Executive Director of the Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company Limited (Bilaspur Region), stated that maintaining the power supply system during extreme heat, storms, and rain is a challenging task for electricity personnel. In such weather, employees often have to work continuously under adverse conditions to locate and repair faults. He appealed to consumers not to panic during power outages but to wait for 5 to 10 minutes and, if necessary, register a complaint on the toll-free number 1912. Additionally, he urged consumers to cooperate with line staff during repair work and to refrain from tampering with power lines or equipment. He emphasized that consumer cooperation is equally vital for the safe and smooth operation of the power system. Exercising a little caution can not only prevent accidents but also ensure the safety of lives and property—after all, life is precious.
