Pulwama, Oct 24: The residents of Rakh and Zahid Bagh villages in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district are living in constant fear due to the presence of dangerously low-hanging electric wires and decaying poles, some of which are precariously tied to trees.
The locals allege that despite repeated pleas to the Power Development Department (PDD), no substantial action has been taken to address the potentially life-threatening issue.
The residents said the situation has worsened over the past few years as the existing electric poles have either worn out or fallen. “We have been forced to tie wires to trees to keep electricity flowing. However, this makeshift arrangement has turned into a major safety hazard,” said Ghulam Rasool Mir, a resident of Rakh village.
He said the electric lines run dangerously close to rooftops and touch trees along the roads.
“A small spark or short circuit can lead to a major tragedy,” Mir said. “We have repeatedly urged the concerned authorities to replace these dangling wires and decayed poles, but our pleas have gone unheard. Even during the Back to Village programmes, our demands were noted but never acted upon.”
Residents said the low-tension (LT) wires in several areas are so close to the ground that people have to remain cautious while walking or driving, especially during the rainy season when the risk of electrocution increases.
“All LT wires in our village are tied to trees because there are no poles available. These wires are old, weak, and often get damaged. We fear that one day, a live wire might fall and cause a disaster,” said Sameer Ahmad, a resident of Zahid Bagh.
The locals added that every time they raise the issue, they are assured of redressal, but on the ground, no improvement is visible. “The administration needs to act before any untoward incident occurs. If anything happens, the PDD will be solely responsible,” said another local.
The residents of both villages have appealed to the higher authorities to immediately provide new electric poles and insulated wires to avert any possible mishap.
An official of the Power Development Department admitted that the power infrastructure in these areas is outdated and requires urgent upgradation. “We are aware of the issue. The department has already taken steps to identify such vulnerable locations, and replacement of old poles and wires will be carried out in a phased manner,” the official said—(KNO)
