PANAJI
A 30-year-old Electricity Department staffer from Mavlingem, Bicholim, died of electrocution while trimming tree branches near a high-tension line at Assonora on Friday.
The victim, identified as line helper Manthan Aroskar, was engaged in clearing vegetation near the Assonora water treatment plant when he came into contact with a live wire. He collapsed instantly, and although he was rushed in a 108 ambulance to hospital, doctors declared him dead.
The incident has triggered outrage with locals questioning why adequate precautions were not taken and why senior officials were absent during the risky operation. Two other workers present were left traumatised and treated at the Bicholim Health Centre.
Mayem MLA Premendra Shet visited the site, met officials, and consoled Aroskar’s family. He demanded a thorough inquiry into the incident.
Local activist Ajay Prabhugaokar drew attention to the fact that Aroskar's death was the third such incident in the last three years and demanded modern protective gear and the designation of a dedicated safety officer in the department. “Announcements are not enough. Concrete safety measures must be implemented,” Prabhugaonkar said.
The tragedy has revived memories of earlier mishaps. In April 2024, linesman Manoj Zambaulikar had died of electrocution during scheduled maintenance at Bicholim despite a shutdown. Chief Electrical Engineer Stephen Fernandes had explained then that back feed power from a nearby inverter had charged the neutral wire, fatally electrocuting Zambaulikar.
In 2023 alone, five staffers had died on duty, the highest in a single year. Since 2018, at least 16 linesmen and helpers have lost their lives while working on faults and maintenance.
Meanwhile, Power Minister Sudin Dhavalikar expressed grief over Aroskar's tragic death and urged strict adherence to safety protocols. He stressed that workers must use proper gear, ensure the supply is switched off, and take all precautions near high voltage lines.
