High-tension wires: Ball in BBMP court

Bengaluru: Bescom and KPTCL have asked the BBMP to take swift action against building owners who have not maintained the prescribed distance from high-tension wires.

The power transmission and distribution company, Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Ltd (KPTCL), and Bengaluru Ele ctricity Supply Company (Bescom) have served over 12,000 notices against owners of buildings that are built close to high-tension wires.

A senior Bescom official said notices were issued after a joint survey was carried out by KPTCL and BBMP along with Bescom. “Now, the BBMP should start initiating action against building owners by terming such buildings unsafe and ask the residents to move out. We cannot take a decision as it falls within the purview of the BBMP,” he said.

“Notices were issued to the owners for violating the rules. They can either

renovate the building or alter it by following the rules or will have to vacate the building. But most of the owners have ignored the notices and have taken it lightly,” a BBMP official said.

 “We want to discuss the issue with Bescom and KPTCL authorities and see what possible action can be taken against these violators. We thought of cutting the power supply, but the residents might use other alternatives. We will soon hold a meeting and see what can be done at the earliest,” he said.

Another Bescom official pointed out how a 15-year-old girl was electrocuted in KR Puram when she touched a live high-tension wire passing close to her house which was an eye-opener to such dangers.

“We have been issuing notices and Bescom and KPTCL too have issued notices to building owner. But they have taken it casually. This should not be the attitude. Severe action should be taken against owners for violating the rules,” he said.