HT wires hanging over trees, PDD ‘Reluctant’ to take action

Ajay Sharma

Sunderbani April 12

Despite tall claims of the administration of improving infrastructure, an 11KV High Tension wire has reportedly been strung directly through the middle of a tree along the Nala-Makol to Kalidhar stretch, in village Nala-Makol check post on the road leading to Devak-Hattal.

According to sources, local officer namely Sanjay Kumar from the Sunderbani Sub-Division is responsible for these hanging peril.

“This officer of the power department of responsible along with the concerned contractor for this negligence, wherien the 11 KV line is dangerously entangled with tree branches,” said sources, adding that the installed electric poles are crooked and wires are reportedly laid haphazardly on trees instead of proper infrastructure.

Sourced warned that continuous heavy rainfall heighten the risk. “If any person, cattle, or passerby stops near this spot, their life could be in serious danger due to possible electrocution or falling branches,” sources stated, adding that such careless work by contractors, allegedly in collusion with department officials, poses an immediate threat to public safety.

Sources questioned, “Electricity Department does as it pleases? There is no one to check this negligence. Contractors are only warming their pockets while putting lives at risk.”

They added that proper cooperation between the department and contractors should prevent such lapses, but here it appears absent.

Meanwhile, locals urged immediate intervention from higher authorities, including Deputy Commissioner Rajouri.

They also demanded Chief Engineer, Sunderbani,Sub-Division officials, and the concerned Assistant Engineer (AE) to take proper action in this matter.

They demanded a thorough investigation, blacklisting of negligent contractors, and rectification of the faulty line supplying power to the Kalidhar temple area.

“Such contractors should be severely probed and blacklisted. If any incident occurs tomorrow — whether a tree falls or someone gets electrocuted — who will take responsibility?” sourced asked.