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Bengaluru: Live wire shocker forces Bescom to act

To carry out a city-wide inspection, Tough action against violators.

Bengaluru: The Thursday’s incident of a 13-year-old boy sustaining burn injuries in Mathikere after coming in contact with high tension wire has once again brought to fore the dangers posed by such wires in close proximity to residential and commercial buildings.

The boy, Nikhil, sustained injuries while playing on the terrace of his house. The wire was passing close to the building. His condition is critical and is undergoing treatment at Victoria hospital.

Soon after the incident Bescom and BBMP officials visited the spot. The Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL) officials also examined the spot and found that the building owner had violated norms. He had not maintained the vertical clearance of four metres from the terrace wall to the wire.

A senior Bescom officer said the few years ago KPTCL had issued notice to the owner for violating norms, but he did not take any remedial steps. “Now, Bescom and KPTCL are planning to carry out inspection across the city. If they come across any violation regarding vertical clearance from the live wires, then it will be subjected to scrutiny. If KPTCL or Bescom is at fault then it will be immediately rectified. But if the owner of the building or the house has not maintained the vertical clearance, then further action will be initiated,” he added.

The officer also informed that BBMP will also be involved in the inspection, as they grant permission for the construction. “We have strict rules regarding vertical clearance when there is a live wire passing, but people construct buildings or houses unmindful of the dangers. If anything goes wrong, Bescom or KPTCL is held responsible,” he mentioned.

The inspection is scheduled to start soon and violators will be issued notice. They will have to ensure that the required vertical clearance is maintained.

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