Electric poles and a transformer are on the verge of collapse on Thiruvalluvar Puram Main Road, Manglapuram First Street, and Erikarai Street, West Tambaram.
The dilapidated poles and the transformer are corroded and can fall anytime and therefore pose a threat to residents and passers-by.
Residents complain that they have been in such a state for long.
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“They are unstable and can fall if hit by any speeding vehicle,” said S. Shrimathi, who lives at Thiruvalluvar Puram. K.K. Nathan, a resident of Mangalapuram First Street, said that frequent representations to the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board, for over a year to replace the transformers and the poles, had gone in vain. “I am worried that strong winds would uproot the dilapidated poles, electrocuting passers-by,” says Nathan. Geeta Raj, another resident, complained that people were too nervous to park their vehicles near the poles as they fear they could come crashing down. On Erikarai Street, the electricity line passes through the branches of the trees and the bushes at a low-level.
Small children who play outside, cattle and dogs are exposed to the danger of electrocution, to a greater extent.
“We have informed the TNEB officials several times about the danger faced by the residents, especially children and cattle. But no steps have been taken so far. The authorities concerned must take immediate action before any untoward incident happens,” residents said.
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When contacted, electricity board officials said steps were being taken to replace the damaged poles.
The ones on Manglapuram First Street are being replaced.
Regarding the electricity lines passing at a low-level on Erikarai Street, they said steps would be taken soon.