Death Traps: Open Panels, Naked Cables Put MSEDCL In Dock | Nagpur News

Open electricity DP in Mominpura

Nagpur: Open electrical panels, exposed wiring and sagging cables continue to dot several areas of Nagpur despite two recent electrocution deaths, fuelling criticism that the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited’s (MSEDCL) safety messaging is not backed by action on the ground.A TOI visit to Hansapuri and other localities found distribution panels (DPs) with broken or missing doors, exposed wiring, hanging cables and signs of poor maintenance — all within easy reach of pedestrians.Sixty-year-old Afroz Begum and Sandeep Maravi were electrocuted on Wednesday. In the wake of these incidents, MSEDCL issued an advisory asking residents to stay away from sagging power lines, avoid touching electrical equipment with wet hands, ensure safe household wiring, and immediately report hazardous installations.Residents contend that such advisories ring hollow when the utility has failed to secure its own infrastructure.Prabhag 8 corporator Wasim Khan alleged that he had repeatedly flagged the issue with MSEDCL over the past six months without any response.“I have submitted several complaints regarding open and damaged DPs in my ward, but nothing has been repaired. After the recent electrocution death, one would have expected immediate action, but these dangerous installations continue to remain unattended,” he said.Residents said the ongoing monsoon has heightened the risk, with waterlogging around exposed electrical infrastructure creating conditions similar to those that preceded this week’s fatal accidents.The utility’s advisory also cautions against drying clothes on metal wires, parking vehicles near electricity poles and approaching snapped conductors, while urging people to report electrical faults immediately. Residents question the value of such advisories unless MSEDCL first addresses hazards within its own network.BOXMSEDCL SAYS: STAY SAFE DURING MONSOONDo’sKeep hands dry while operating electrical switches.Switch off the main supply if water enters the meter area.Get damaged wiring repaired by licensed electricians.Install RCCB/ELCB/MCB protection devices.Stay away from snapped or sagging power lines.Report damaged electrical infrastructure immediately.Ground RealityOpen and damaged distribution panels.Exposed electrical wiring.Hanging overhead cables.Poorly maintained electrical installations.Garbage and waterlogging around power equipment.Complaints of hazardous DPs pending for months.