On 10 July, a 30-year-old employee of the electricity department (ED) was trimming trees at the Assonora water treatment plant using a metal cutting tool. This came into contact with a 33KV high-tension power line. After being jolted by an electric shock, he was rushed to Colvale Health Centre, where doctors pronounced him dead. Sixteen linesmen and helpers have lost their lives due to electrocution from 2018 till November 2023 (the highest was five in 2023) (TGE 11 July 2026; 30 Nov 2023). After every enquiry, some scapegoats were suspended, the staffer was blamed for not using safety kit, the victim’s family was (hopefully) compensated, and an assurance was made to provide a job on compassionate grounds to a family member.
Despite the availability of mobile phones and wireless sets, there seems to be a lack of communication between the ED and linesmen. Else, how can one explain the power supply being on when work is ongoing? A WhatsApp group between the concerned staff could help share information about the area where and what kind of work is being carried out. Only after receiving a clear go-ahead from the linesmen and supervisor should the power supply be restored. The ED has to strictly implement safety measures and have an SOP. Importantly, the ED could procure (or fabricate) metal tools, the handles of which have insulating material to prevent electric shocks.
Sridhar D’Iyer, Caranzalem
