Nashik: Dilapidated Electric Poles In Igatpuri Spark Safety Fears As Monsoon Arrives

Many electricity poles supplying power to the old national highway, Loya Road and the main market in Igatpuri city of Nashik district are currently in a dilapidated condition. These poles have become hollow due to erosion and rust, and some poles are completely deteriorated. These poles are somehow holding together, and there is a fear that they may collapse at any moment.

Shiv Sena City Chief Bhushan Jadhav said, “In this regard, the Mahavitaran needs to take immediate action - replace the dilapidated electric poles, provide safety equipment to the employees and maintain proper supervision of the work. Otherwise, if a major accident occurs, the entire responsibility will lie with the administration.”

“We have demanded many times that the electrical connections should be made underground in Igatpuri. The taluka receives very heavy rains during the monsoon, and for around four months, the taluka goes under blackout due to short circuits, trees falling on electricity-supplying wires and poles, and many other issues,” added Jadhav.

“Thousands of citizens, tourists and school children travel on these roads every day. In addition, since the network of electrical conduit works is underway in the run-up to the monsoon season, employees of Mahavitaran are also working by climbing on these poles. However, the employees do not have proper safety kits or necessary equipment. Therefore, a worrying picture is emerging that this work is being done literally at the risk of their lives,” said Bhau Shirole, a nearby shopkeeper.

Key Issues:

- Many electric poles in a dilapidated and dangerous condition

- Poles have completely rusted

- Lack of safety kits and equipment for employees

- Serious danger ahead of the monsoon

- Negligence of Mahavitaran and anger among citizens