As per reports (The Goan Everyday 30.11.2023) it is shocking to know that from 2018 till November 2023, 14 linesmen of the electricity department have lost their lives due to electrocution while working on electricity poles. From March up to November 23, 2023, 5 linesmen died.
A common reason given is “negligence on the part of the department and/or the linesmen,” but no remedial actions are suggested and/or implemented to avoid another incident. This vicious circle may occur for the next unfortunate victim.
Some years back, despite telecommunication issues, the cases of electrocution were perhaps less. But nowadays it is a criminal negligence that power supply is switched on when linesmen are carrying out their duty, when mobile calls and messages and wireless handsets can be used to communicate between the linesmen and the department.
At the sub-stations, the electrical engineers could paste warning stickers that the mains are switched off for repairs/maintenance. Create a WhatsApp group to share information about the area where and what kind of work is being carried out. Only when a go-ahead is received the department should restore the power supply.
Apparently there is a problem of coordination and clear communication in the department and between it and the linesmen. The authorities need to act fast before another life is lost due to carelessness either by the department or linesmen.
