Cobwebs of electricity wires irk residents

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, February 18

The cobwebs of electricity wires displayed at various places in the city are not only a risk for the lives of residents, but also leave a bad impression on the visiting tourists.

These cobwebs of electricity, particularly inside the narrow streets and markets of the old and walled city, are a risk to the residents. It was also seen that many street vendors have set up their makeshift stalls under the electricity transformers in the walled city.

Many of these vendors can easily be spotted near the Katra Sher Singh market here. The vendors oblivious to the risk of standing under electricity transformers are not only risking their own lives, but also that of their customers. One of these vendors said, “We have to earn our livelihood. If there is no other place available, it is fine under a transformer.”

However, as it is risky, a passerby who was overhearing and who had visited a foreign country recently, commented, “Most of the developed countries have underground electricity wiring. The government has spent a huge amount on the beautification of the surroundings of Golden Temple, but these loose hanging wires give an exact glimpse of our development.”

Residents stated that it becomes difficult for even the employees of Power Corporation to detect a fault due to cobwebs of wires. “It would be convenient for the department and would give a nice look if the cobwebs of wires are removed and wires are connected properly,” said another resident, Kewal Singh.

The residents of localities near Golden Temple complained that in many streets, the naked steel electricity wires run parallel to the windows to the first floors of houses and it would be better if the entire system is made underground.

Many an accident have occurred in the recent years wherein people, especially small children, faced mishaps on accidentally coming into contact with these wires.