PSPCL sets up control rooms to check harvest fire risks

With the wheat harvest at its peak and temperatures rising sharply across Jalandhar, Punjab State Power Corporation Limited has stepped up preventive measures to curb crop fires caused by electrical faults, an issue that recurs every year during the harvesting season.

In a proactive move, the power utility has established dedicated control rooms at both zonal and circle levels in Jalandhar to ensure swift response to fire incidents triggered by loose or low-hanging wires, faulty switches, sparking transformers and other electrical hazards.

Farmers and residents have been urged to report electrical issues directly through dedicated helpline numbers. For the Jalandhar Circle which includes Jalandhar East, Jalandhar West, Jalandhar Cantt, Model Town and Phagwara, the helpline number is 9646116301. For the North Zone covering Kapurthala, Hoshiarpur, and Nawanshahr, complaints can be registered at 964616679. In addition, consumers can dial the central helpline 1912 for immediate assistance.

Officials said the control rooms have been designed to function as round-the-clock response centres during the harvest period. “The control rooms will operate 24x7 and act as a centralised reporting and response system. Any complaint received whether regarding sparking, damaged wires or fire incidents will be immediately relayed to the nearest field staff. Quick response teams have been put on alert to ensure that faults are rectified on priority and any fire risk is neutralised without delay,” an official stated.

Alongside emergency response measures, the PSPCL has issued a detailed advisory aimed at minimising fire risks in agricultural fields. Farmers have been strictly advised not to store harvested wheat under overhead power lines or near transformers, as even minor sparks can ignite dry crop residue. A safety buffer of 25 square metre around transformers must be maintained with the surrounding area kept moist to reduce the chances of accidental fires.

The corporation has also cautioned against attempting to handle or repair electrical lines using bamboo sticks or poles, warning that such materials can conduct electricity and lead to fatal electrocution. Further, operators of harvesters and combine machines have been advised to restrict operations to daylight hours and maintain a safe distance from power infrastructure, including lines and poles.

With fire incidents likely to report during harvest season due to electrical negligence, officials emphasised that timely reporting, adherence to safety guidelines and coordinated response through control rooms can significantly reduce losses during the ongoing harvest season.