The work on the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) project has once again come under the scanner for neglecting public safety while installing electricity poles.
The residents have complained that in most parts of the city, the poles had been installed so closely that they posed a threat to the people. “It is unscientific. The poles will carry 11 kV and 33 kV overhead power transmission lines.
In some places, they may stroke the buildings in case if there is wind. Who will bear the responsibility in case of any mishap?,” asked a resident.
The Indian Electricity Rule says that the horizontal clearance between the conductor and the building or part of a building should be 1.2 metre in case of high voltage up to 11 kV and 2 metres in case of 11kV to 33kV.
But these norms had been thrown to the wind in many places.
The residents of Unkal, where this problem is serious, have submitted a memorandum to the the Hubballi Electricity Supply Company (Hescom).
B.G. Hiremath, a resident, explained how unscientifically the workers were installing the poles.
He said initially, they marked a location very close to his house. But when he objected and a re-measurement from the central point of the road was done under his observation, it was found that there was nearly a one-and-a-half-metre difference between the spot selected by the workers and the actual one,” he said.
In another case, the contractor re-erected a pole, which was erected close to a showroom after its owner threatened legal action. However, most of the poor families have expressed helplessness to put up a fight.
Hescom managing director Khushbu Goel was not available for comments. But her personal assistant said that a memorandum had been received from the residents of Unkal and as per Ms. Goel’s direction, a letter would be written to the Hubli-Dharwad BRTS Company Limited for requisite action.
