Open transformers poses threat to Kurnool citizens

KURNOOL: Transformers erected on main roads in Kurnool city, without enclosures, have become a concern for many. Instances of people getting mild to severe shocks on contact with the transformers were reported earlier but the power supply department failed to take any remedial measures, said Abdul Gaffoor, a resident of the old city. He said a cow was electrocuted near a transformer located in the Old bus stand .

There are around 1,600 transformers in the city, erected over the pavements and at public places. Nearly 60 per cent of them have fencings, iron packets and walls.

They sure create a problem as they occupy the space meant for people to walk on but now, they have been there for years together, said P. Jagan, one of the shop owners at Alankar Plaza.

“Unfortunately, power supply officials do not consult us before erecting a transformer on the pavement. If they ask us for land, we will provide it to them,” the municipal officials said, on conditions of anonymity.

“Open electrical boxes, with loose wires hanging out of it, put the pedestrians at risk. Who will be responsible in case an accident occurs?” asked Sanjeev Reddy, a resident of  Joharapuram.

He further pointed out that it is not only the electrical transformers but also the telephone transformers. Though the electrical transformers are bigger and more bulky, the telephone transformers, which are much smaller, are more often than not abruptly placed in the middle of the footpath, he added.

Superintendent engineer of Andhra Pradesh Southern power distribution limited Barghava Ramudu said that they provide electricity and set up poles, and other electric utilities, as required, adhering to all requisite safety clearances. But now, people build houses and footpath ways around these poles, and do not adhere to safety norms, he said. It is up to the civic body to ensure that colonies do not overgrow, and to ensure electric safety when new construction works are done, he added.

He said that transformers were set up depending on the available space, while the density of wires drawn from a pole depend on the total load in an area.

The official also made it clear that electric poles were set up at a minimum clearance of four metres from the service pipe.

Anyhow we will pursue the situations of all transformers and will take action to prevent the problems, he said.