Delhi discoms work on Monsoon action plan, issue advisory to prevent accidents during rains

Delhi: Power discoms in the city on Monday issued an advisory urging people to avoid electricity-related accidents even as they have begun undertaking measures under the Monsoon action plan to minimise moisture-related breakdowns and rain-related disruptions.

A BSES spokesperson said that during the monsoon, waterlogging increases the chances of electricity-related mishaps. Simple precautions like staying away from electrical installations, such as electricity poles, substations, transformers and streetlights, and preventing children from playing near electrical installations, can prevent accidents.

As part of a special ‘Current Leakage Testing Drive’, Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited (TPDDL) undertook testing of electric poles, ATMs, streetlights, substation fencing, grill fencing of parks, and gates and other installations in schools, hospitals and other public premises, said a company statement

A special Public Installation Safety Audit (PISA) drive of more than 5,300 installations covering schools, hospitals, DJB water treatment plants and large office premises has also been completed to prevent electrical hazards at critical public installations, it said.

Notices are being served and pasted wherever electrical safety violations are observed, and supply is being disconnected for dangerous installations in congested areas to prevent accidents, including electrocution and flash burns, it said.

The BSES spokesperson said consumers should also get electrical wiring at their premises checked by a licensed contractor, and switch off the main supply in case of waterlogging or leakage in the meter cabin.

Installing an earth leakage circuit breaker helps prevent shocks and mishaps; wet switches need to be avoided, and instead a tester could be used to detect if current is leaking, the official said.

Power theft through hooking can be a serious safety hazard, especially during the monsoon and should be avoided, the spokesperson said and added that the BSES discoms have to, at times, switch off power supply in vulnerable or waterlogged areas in the interest of public safety.

Talking about the Monsoon action plan, the spokesperson said BSES discoms follow an integrated and proactive approach, and measures are being undertaken to minimise moisture-related breakdowns and rain-related disruptions.

In case of an emergency or power disruption, consumers can reach BSES through call centres, WhatsApp and mobile apps. War rooms have been set up and quick response teams deployed to respond swiftly to monsoon-related exigencies.

BSES has also launched a campaign to sensitise consumers on monsoon safety precautions, the official said.

The discoms have also taken steps like raising the foundation height of transformers in low-lying areas, preventing waterlogging, seepage and moisture in switchgear, ensuring proper fencing around plinth and pole-mounted transformers, to prevent supply disruptions.