Hyderabad: During the Vinayaka Chavithi Festival, Musharraf Faruqui, head of the Southern Power Distribution Company of Telangana Limited, advised both pandal organizers and the public to be vigilant about electricity safety during Ganesh idol processions and at pandals.
He clarified that recent electrocution incidents were not due to negligence by the electricity department, but other factors. On Tuesday, Musharraf visited the accident site in Bandlaguda where a mishap happened during a Ganesh procession. He gathered information on what occurred.
Musharraf instructed electricity officials to stay alert and ensure the electrical network along procession routes is safe. He mentioned a program that replaces hazardous overhead lines with AB cables in Greater Hyderabad is underway. Additionally, following the Deputy Chief Minister’s orders, a special campaign is removing dangerous hanging cables from poles. He urged the public, devotees, and organizers to adhere strictly to safety measures at pandals.
He warned that electrical leakage could cause shocks, especially during rain. Therefore, daily inspection of pandal wiring is essential. In emergencies or if electrical lines fall, people should immediately call 1912 or a nearby Fuse Off Call center to alert the electricity staff.
