The power distribution company (discom) of the state- Madhya kshetra Vidyut vitaran company limited has woken up to the reality after three consecutive fire incidents triggered by sparks in its transformers in Bhopal. Bhopal has as many as 10,600 transformers installed around its 4 zones and nearly 20 per cent of the transformers are over 20 years old.
The authorities have woken up from slumber after the incidents involving death of a 40-year-old businessman from Kotwali area and they are now mulling replacement of about 20 per cent of the transformers which have competed a certain period of their installation. However according to the experts replacements spree will take the discons nearly six months; meanwhile the risk will go unabated.
Series of incidents
A fire that broke out in Budhwara was also triggered by short circuit where two autos were burnt and other valuables were destroyed, earlier this month. The another short circuit borne fire in the transformer at Lalwani press road had destroyed the two floors of a building and left one dead in Kotwali on Tuesday. The other fire broke out in workshop of the Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC), on Wednesday was also triggerd by the short cuircuit in a transformer. No major loss was reported as fire tenders rushed on time, there although.
‘We are conducting survey’
Manoj Diwedi, PRO of discom said the old transformers will be replaced this year as they are more likely to risks. He added, “We are conducted a survey to find out the number of transformers that are older than 20 years.”
Gas insulated transformer yet to start operations
On the other hand, the gas insulated transformer installed near Kotwali police station is yet to start operations. The transformer is first of its kind in the state and is less likely to the risks like short circuit. However, even after nearly 1.5 years of its bhoomi pujan, it has not started working.
