The State has witnessed five deaths due to electrocution of men working on electricity lines from March to November, the highest number in the last five years. The worst part is that while all the cases were due to alleged negligence of the Electricity Department, action has been initiated in only one case so far. Earlier this week, an Assistant Linesman was suspended for the death of a line helper attached to the Mapusa division while on duty while an inquiry has been initiated against the Assistant Engineer of the Department.
At a time when the Electricity Department is surging ahead and promising an upgrade of infrastructure with the aim of providing consistent and better power to citizens, deaths of linesmen due to electrocution are unacceptable, and cast a shadow on operations. Seniors in the department argue that there are laid-down protocols and safeguards in place, and that there are employees who have designated roles. The question is, who is responsible for these deaths?
While five deaths have taken place so far this year, it is intriguing why the Department has hand-picked only one and suspended the assistant linesman. What about the other four cases? Does the department act only under public pressure, while the weak and unsupported keep shedding tears over their dead? If we may recall, Power Minister Sudin Dhavalikar had stated that a high-powered committee would be instituted to investigate all such deaths and action would be taken against those responsible. He had also assured that the government would take necessary steps towards the welfare of dependent family members of the deceased, including providing a government job. What happened to the job security?
While everyone seems to be in a hurry to get power restored, very little attention has been paid to the safety of those working on lines. Life of these linesmen has been hanging by a thin wire of insecurity, the control of which wrests with someone else. A line worker's death primarily points to a systemic failure. Goa keeps hearing of the deaths of linesmen because deterrents and responsibilities are not fixed.
Very often linesmen and line helpers climb up electricity poles without necessary equipment risking their lives in the bargain. A corollary to this argument is that line workers complain of substandard or lack of adequate safety equipment. Also, there have been several cases of miscommunication when lines have been switched on while linesmen are still on their job, resulting in instant death. While the circumstances may be many, a senior in the department should be held responsible. In the recent Siolim case, the Assistant Linesman was suspended after public pressure, but no action has been initiated in other cases.
In the majority of cases, linesmen and line helpers are the sole breadwinners in the family. Their sudden demise is bound to cripple the lives of dependents, and hence the Electricity Department, apart from the financial compensation must ensure that at least one member is provided a suitable government job. Dhavlikar’s contention that none of the family members have come forward and applied for jobs shows a very callous attitude towards these families in distress.
It’s time the Power Department tightens protocol, fix responsibility and put stringent checks and balances in place. Those working on lines through rain or shine and risk their lives deserve respect for their thankless service. Merely assuring action against seniors will not help, because unless legal action is initiated, lessons will never be learnt.
