PPFA roadmap to cut electrocution deaths

GUWAHATI, Aug 8: Expressing concern over the electrocution deaths in Assam as well as in other parts of the country, Patriotic People’s Front, Assam (PPFA) has called for a debate to change the standard domestic voltages from 240 (alterte current with 50 hertz) to 120 or even lower in volt differences.

India on the whole witnesses nearly 10,000 people killed annually because of electrocution. Accidental electrocution (including some suicide attempts) cases are reportedly high in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Telanga, Tamil du, Kartaka, Jharkhand, Kerala, Odisha, Uttarkhand and Assam.

The faulty high-voltage wiring arrangement also kills many animals like elephants, tigers, sloth bears, monkeys, flamingos, peacocks etc. Not less than 350 elephants died in the country because of electrocution during the last five years. In the same period, there were casualties of over 180 flamingos, 65 leopards, 20 tigers, 15 sloth bears and 10 lions due to electrocution.

Assam has lost 979 human lives due to electrocution since 2001-02, with the highest number of casualties (88) recorded in 2016-17. More shockingly, the State witnessed 57 electrocution deaths in the last four months (April, May, June and July 2017).

“The statistics relating to electrocution deaths remain appalling. We believe that a pragmatic action plan over the layout of high-voltage live wires, its timely maintence, bringing adequate public awareness over the safe use of electrical appliances has become the need of the hour,” said a statement issued by the PPFA.

Endorsed by many qualified engineers, the statement added that the use of bamboo or other living trees to carry out electrical wires should be stopped and the Assam Power Distribution Company Ltd (APDCL) must replace all such temporary poles across the State with prescribed posts.

The forum has also insisted on using proper fuse wires (or other protective arrangements) as a precautiory measure in all electrical systems. Replacing thin fuse wires of low-current rating with aluminum conductors (or other wires) of high-current rating in low to medium voltage electrical equipments is nothing but inviting disaster, the statement cautioned.

“As the electrical wiring can create public health hazards, the authority must deal with the safety issue in right perspective. The State Power Department should create a responsive safety department along with trained safety officers at the earliest,” pointed out the forum.

Mentioning about the future need of energy, the government should encourage more alterte sources like solar power in the country, particularly for Northeastern States with hilly terrain, forest covers teeming with wildlife, where the laying of high-voltage wires for longer distances always invites difficulties, opined the forum.

Where possible, the underground laying of live wires, instead of overhead electrical distribution system, should be encouraged. The underground wiring system should be separated from other utility services, including the sewage cals, by a reasoble margin to avoid dangers, it opined.

“Filly, the country should debate whether 110/120 volt may be an adoptable option in place of present 220/240 volt to reduce the fatality of the electricity distribution system. Developed tions like the USA, the UK and Japan use lower-voltage lines to reduce the risk factors,” stated the forum.

Altertively, two independent live/phases (each of 110/120 volt) with one neutral wire arrangement can be adopted where the customers may opt for single-phase line only to use in lighting (preferably with LED bulbs), digital screening of television, computer, mobile phones etc., and low-watt fans. Others, who prefer to use heavy electrical appliances, may go for multi-phase supply lines.