We all depend on electricity to live happily but we don’t feel the importance of it unless we really see the absence of it. Many times we have seen that the power cut is due to break
down of local distribution and not from the main feeder as adequate power is now available for Noida. The local distribution consists of overhead 11 KV line (pending underground since long) known as HT line, the transformer enclosures and further distribution of supply to individual households through LT line. As all HT lines are along with roads and over the trees, wires are entangled into the tree branches which are sometimes cut in a haphazard way like we tried hair cut at home in pandemic lockdown.
The second but most importantly is the transformer enclosures which are at the mercy of God. Almost all the transformer enclosures in our sector are in a pathetic condition. We see panels broken and missing covers, naked wires and cables put dangerously, wild grass and plants growing inside the enclosure without fearing electrocution as plants don’t not know and feel the danger. The enclosures are not secured by closable gates – danger to life of human beings especially children.
During adverse weather conditions and jumping over by cats, hopping of rats and other reptiles the distribution collapses by short circuit, affecting residents at a time when power supply is a must in the situation.
The question is: Who is responsible to maintain all this? It is definitely the Noida Authority and UPPCL. But are both the organisations affected by such incidents? The answer is “NO”. We all pay our electricity bills in time to prevent disconnection, no theft or illegal connection in our sector. Then why proper distribution is not ensured by concern Department of Noida Authority and the organisation supplying electricity?
RWA Has brought this to the notice of UPPCL many times and UPPCL is well aware of it. But it is of no use as we see that not an iota of work has been done in past many years to rectify the problem. Residents may not be aware that the transformer oil is required to be checked and cleaned of moisture at regular intervals to prevent heating and burning of transformer. We have seen the replacement of transformer after many hours or few days in case of burning but never seen the preventive mandatory measures.
When there is a breakdown in extreme summer and during hot and humid weather conditions we get angry and post heated thoughts on WhatsApp group that is read by our neighbour residents who also feel the same. But, is it enough for resolving the issue? The issue being common and not being personal becomes nobody’s responsibility although everybody suffers equally. Are we still have our mind set of a submissive, helpless and subservient?
We the residents can ask RWA to take this matter seriously and persuade with the Noida Authority and UPPCL by deputing right and responsible person from RWA to oversee till all problems of electricity distribution are resolved amicably to ensure safe secure and uninterrupted supply.
by Uday Sengar (E-19, Sector-50; 9818589707)
