New Delhi: Monsoon poses unique challenges to power distribution network. While short-circuits and outages are common during the rains, cases of electrocution too are reported from different parts of the city in this season. Last year, Delhi witnessed dozens of electrocution or flash burn cases, resulting in grievous injuries and deaths, with kids being the primary victims."A total of 31,015 poles, fencings, pillar boxes, streetlight poles, etc,—which are accessible to general public—are being inspected as part of our special drive. Besides, 425 electric installations adjacent to various school campuses will be inspected to ensure safety of children during monsoon" said a spokesperson of Tata Power.The discom found 39 leakages in ATMs, on civic body's poles and fancy light installations. It also detected 23 cases of leakages in weekly bazaars, of which power supply had to be cut in eight cases. "We have been proactive in taking measures aimed at avoiding any untoward electricity-related accidents, especially during the monsoon season," said Praveer Sinha, CEO of Tata Power.Even the representatives of two BSES discoms said that extensive pre-monsoon checks were carried out to reduce the incidence of moisture related breakdowns. "To minimise the accumulation of moisture in the grids and panels, we have increased height of the foundation of transformers in low-lying areas to safe levels. Rooftops of power infrastructure have been cleared to avoid waterlogging, which may create seepage and moisture in the switchgear," said a BSES spokesperson.Putting a hook on an electricity cable, a method used by power thieves, could pose a serious safety hazard in the rainy season. Delhi has seen more than 10,000 cases of people being booked for power theft in the last financial year alone. "Despite discoms putting up insulated conductors, the violators indulge in power theft...putting the lives of people in danger. Invariably these 'hooked on' wires are not insulated or properly fixed and in case of windy or rainy weather, they can fall on people and cause grievous injury or even fatalities," the BSES spokesperson added.Apart from taking simple precautions like keeping a tester and installing an earth leakage circuit breaker (ELCB) to help avoid shocks and mishaps, people can contact the BSES discoms to report any hazardous situation—399 99 707 (south & west Delhi), 399 99 808 (east & central Delhi) and 1800 10 39707 (BRPL), 41999808 (BYPL).Tata Power has issued over 30,000 notices to consumer for encroachments near power lines.

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