High voltage cables precariously hanging overhead are a frightening sight for passers-by. Though a threat to lives of the people who come in their contact, these naked wires are left unattended for reasons best known to authorities.
A casual survey of local markets, especially Sadar Bazar, Rajiv Nagar Market, Hans Enclave Market and Books Market, is enough to confirm the grave risk these cables, protruding from transformers and electricity polls, pose. But no step has been taken to fix them.
Even sparks and fireworks, occurring from time to time, in the messy clusters of wires failed to stir the authorities out of their slumber.
While the blame for the mess lies squarely on the Dakshin Haryana Vitran Bijli Nigam (DHVBN), the Municipal Corporation, whose job it is too to ensure safety and security of the residents, cannot escape responsibility. Both the civic agencies seem to be waiting for a tragedy to happen before taking corrective measures.
Shopkeepers and vendors on the road and residents at large are equally responsible for this situation for not taking up the matter with the authorities forcefully.
Pointing at high-tension lines passing through Rajeev Nagar Market, Sunil Kumar, a shopkeeper, said, “In case of a mishap, no shop will be spared. Look at the condition of the naked wires. A fire caused by short-circuit will not only prove fatal, but can also result in heavy loss to property on a prime commercial land.”
Confirming that officials of DHVBN visit Sadar Bazar to attend to complaints, a shop owner said their visits are but a mere cosmetic exercise. They never care to replace damaged wires and fix the menacingly hanging cables.
He said, “Shopkeepers too add to the problem. If a shopkeeper has to install a generator, he would attach take power directly from the lines oblivious of the danger it poses. But, no one seems to be concerned about it. We all are to blame for the situation.”
