Claiming that it is not responsible for narrow or lack of pedestrian space on the roadside, Bescom on Tuesday told the Karnataka High Court that a deadline cannot be fixed for shifting transformers from footpaths without making alternative arrangements, as it would adversely affect electricity consumers.
M. Uday Kumar, Chief Engineer (Electricity), Bengaluru Metropolitan Area Zone (BMAZ), stated that there was sufficient space for pedestrians when the distribution transformer centres (DTCs) were commissioned on roadsides, but the space got reduced when roads were widened for smooth flow of traffic.
Claiming that Bescom had not encroached footpaths, it has been stated that all such electricity lines and DTCs were energised only after observing all safety norms as specified under the Indian Electricity Act, 2003.
Pointing out that there are 39,000 DTCs in BMAZ of the total 2.05 lakh in its jurisdiction, Besom said that it has requested National Institute of Design to redesign the DTCs taking into account paucity of space and safety of the public. Besides, a tender has been invited for innovative structural design of DTCs.
Already 18 DTCs, which were obstructing pedestrians, have been shifted to nearby civic amenity cites or other government land, the statement said. More would be shifted as and when alternative land is made available and after ensuring that consumers are not affected.
The statement was submitted during the hearing of a PIL petition filed by advocate G.R. Mohan on safety of pedestrians by a Division Bench comprising Justice K.L. Manjunath and Justice S. Sujatha, which adjourned further hearing till February 3.