Indus Valley Times

By Prakasha Panigrahi

Berhampur, Sep 11 : With the festive season approaching, TP Southern Odisha Distribution Limited (TPSODL) has urged Puja committees, organisers, vendors, parents and citizens across Southern Odisha to observe essential electrical safety measures and ensure safe use of electricity during the festivities. With temporary pandals, decorative lighting, stalls and large public gatherings increasing during the Puja season, TPSODL has advised everyone, including children, to exercise caution and strictly follow prescribed safety practices to prevent electrical accidents and ensure uninterrupted celebrations.

TPSODL has advised Puja committees and organisers to apply for authorised temporary electricity connections from the nearest TPSODL office and strictly refrain from illegal hooking or unauthorised connections. Such practices can lead to short circuits, electrical fires, transformer overloading and serious risks to human life and property. Organisers have also been advised to engage qualified/licensed electricians for electrical installations at pandals and ensure that wiring, connections and electrical equipment are properly installed and maintained.

The company has further advised Puja committees to ensure proper earthing and appropriate protection devices, avoid loose or damaged wires, and refrain from overloading sockets or using substandard electrical equipment. Decorative lighting should be installed at a safe distance from electrical lines and equipment. LED lighting is recommended as a more energy-efficient option.

Citizens have also been urged to maintain a safe distance from electric poles, transformers, substations and overhead lines, particularly during processions and idol immersion. Parents and guardians are advised to ensure that children do not go near electrical installations, exposed wires, transformers or temporary electrical arrangements at Puja venues. Puja decorations, banners, flags, bamboo structures and metallic objects should not come in contact with electrical installations or overhead conductors. Organisers should also exercise additional caution while erecting pandals and temporary structures near electrical infrastructure.

“Festivals are a time of celebration, togetherness and devotion, and safety must remain at the heart of these celebrations. A moment of negligence around electricity can have serious consequences. We therefore urge all Puja committees, organisers and citizens to use electricity responsibly, obtain authorised temporary connections and strictly follow electrical safety guidelines. Our teams remain committed to supporting consumers and ensuring safe and reliable power supply throughout the festive season,” said Mr. Amit Kumar Garg, CEO, TPSODL.

TPSODL has also advised consumers to immediately report any unsafe electrical condition, damaged conductor, fallen wire or other electrical hazard to the company and avoid approaching or touching fallen wires under any circumstances. The company continues to undertake public electrical-safety awareness initiatives across its operational areas, including awareness campaigns and dissemination of safety advisories.

Consumers can contact TPSODL’s 24×7 Customer Care at 1912 or 1800-2026 for assistance and to report electrical emergencies.