The death of a lineman at Honda Sattari due to electrocution has once again cast a spotlight on the grave safety lapses and systemic failures within the electricity distribution system in the State. While investigations are ongoing, indications are that the incident may have been caused by a 'backfield' power surge transmitted from the inverter of nearby establishments, an issue that the department has failed to address thoroughly despite past tragedies. The Honda tragedy again exposes failure to streamline systems, besides, the neglect of safety protocols, oversight, and lack of accountability.
The horrific Bicholim incident last April has not changed much on the ground, so it appears. In that case, a 'backfield' surge from a gym’s inverter led to fatal electrocution, exposing how unregulated inverter usage can turn into lethal hazards for line workers. There were immediate calls for stringent safety measures, proper installation standards, and proactive regulation, and yet, the department’s response appeared half-hearted.
While the department initially showed urgency in registering inverter and generator users to monitor potential risks, a year later, these initiatives have largely been forgotten. Instead of instituting comprehensive safeguards, the department appears to have been dragging its feet, relying on vague advisories and incomplete enforcement. The department’s chief electrical engineer has attributed the risk to consumer non-compliance and the use of unpermitted equipment, but this approach misses the core issue of why the department has not mandated and enforced mandatory safeguards such as four-pole switches to prevent reverse power flow. Why are consumers not being adequately informed about the dangers of unregulated inverter installations?
Despite the existence of safety guidelines such as shutting down lines before work, ensuring proper earthing, and wearing protective gear, these are routinely flouted on the ground. The tragic incident at Honda Sattari exposes this disconnect. Workmen often operate under unsafe conditions, either due to lack of proper safety equipment, inadequate training, or sheer negligence. It’s not merely an individual's fault; it reflects a failure of the department to create a safety culture. Secondly, the technical safeguards that should protect linemen from 'back surge' currents like earthing mechanisms and circuit breakers are often overlooked for reasons best known to the department.
The question that needs to be asked today is why such tragedies keep happening. The answer lies not just in individual lapses but in systemic failures. The department’s tendency to blame consumers for installing inverters without proper precautions is a convenient excuse, but it sidesteps the larger responsibility of ensuring safety standards are enforced. The government needs to intensify awareness campaigns, enforce strict compliance, and regulate the installation of inverter systems more stringently.
The Chief Electrical Engineer must step forward and provide clear answers: Are current safety measures sufficient? Why have lapses persisted despite past incidents? Who is accountable when preventable tragedies occur? Responsibility must be fixed at the highest levels, with transparent investigations and corrective measures implemented.
The tragedy at Honda Sattari is a stark reminder that safety should never be compromised. While technical safeguards and protocols exist, their effective enforcement is critical. The department must acknowledge its systemic failings, fix responsibility, and act decisively to prevent such tragedies from recurring. The families of fallen workers deserve nothing less than a committed, safety-first approach that prioritises lives over bureaucratic complacency. The State has to honour the sacrifices of our linemen and ensure a safer working environment for all.
