JAGATSINGHPUR: The sagging and loosely hanging overhead electricity wires continue to pose a serious threat to the lives of people in rural areas of Jagatsinghpur district. The sagging overhead lines have claimed six lives within a year in Balikuda due to electrocution. Nine cattle have also perished in such mishaps.
Though the Energy department has engaged a Bangalore-based private company for distribution of power and collection of bills in Jagatsinghpur, Balikuda and Raghunathpur areas, there is no sign of restoration work. The employees are facing problems due to staff crunch and non-availability of poles, cables and other electrical equipment. At some places, trees and bamboos have been used as electricity poles.
Sources said six persons __ three from Murunia, one each from Osakana, Titira, Machgaon __ died after coming in contact with low-lying electric wires.
Low-lying wires fixed on bamboo poles are prone to develop snags. The bamboo poles get uprooted if wind blows heavily. Residents thus suffer frequent power outrages. Nobody from the department attends to complaints, the villagers alleged.
Zilla Electricity Consumer Welfare Association leader Basudev said power disruptions are taking place because of such shoddy work. The heat wave is adding to the people’s woes.
Executive Engineer Jagdish Sahu said steps are being taken to provide equipment for maintenance.