Kochi: A major concern for devotees during Sabarimala pilgrimage seasons so far has been occasional power supply disruptions with wild animals accidentally coming into contact with overhead wires. No more worrying! The Kerala State Electricity Board has set up a new 11-KV feeder line – Sabari feeder — from Pampa Triveni to Sannidhanam via Swami Ayyappan road and Chandranandan road in addition to the traditional ‘Sannidhanam’ feeder.
The overhead power lines along the six-km stretch boost the feature of Aerial Bundled Conductors (ABC) that ensure uninterrupted power supply and also the safety of pilgrims and animals even if they come in contact with them accidentally. “Till the last season, tripping of power lines was a major headache. Monkeys and snakes often jump or crawl upon the line passing through the jungle section. Repairing was a time-consuming process with special permission needed from forest officials since the area is well within the Periyar Tiger Reserve Forest,” said Mr C. Suresh Chand, deputy chief engineer, Pattanamthitta section.
With the new overhead line becoming operational, even if tripping occurs in the traditional path, supply can be ensured in the rest of the areas other than the point where the problem occurred. “Power can be easily drawn from the new line,” he said. The KSEB has also replaced the existing lines on the Ayyappa temple premises with that featuring ABC. “This is to ensure maximum safety at areas where devotees assemble in large numbers. By the next season, we’ll replace all ordinary transmission lines, both low- tension and high-tension wires, with insulated aerial conductors,” the official said.
