: After the discoms, now even the State government-run Delhi Transco Limited (DTL) has raised the issue of unauthorised colonies creating hindrances in setting up of new network and carrying maintenance work.
According to DTL, rampant unauthorised constructions under the transmission lines are creating problems in smooth-wheeling of power in Delhi. “As per law, a 35-meter corridor for a 220-KV line and a 52-meter corridor for a 400-KV line are required for energising new sub-stations. But we are not able to complete any such project due to illegal extensions of houses and shops. Problems are also faced in regular maintenance of the lines,” said a DTL spokesperson. Most of the transmission lines of Delhi Transco were laid long back as per the law, but the ownership of these lands under and around the transmission lines is not with the DTL, which is where the company claims the problem emerged. “The land mainly belongs to the respective land owning agencies. Over the years people have encroached upon it,” the official added.
Experts say that the problems aggravate during summers. “It is worse in summers because the conductor sag increases with rise in load and temperature. Unauthorised constructions also run the risk of bringing people close to high-voltage lines,” said a discom official. As per the Central Electricity Authority regulations, no building should be constructed under the existing lines.
A number of incidents where the transmission of power is disrupted owing to unauthorised constructions in the vicinity of power lines occur every year. “On April 10, a 220-KV circuit tripped as it came in contact with the water tank placed on the roof of an unauthorised house at Khizrabad near Jamia Nagar in South Delhi,” said a DTL official.
