Ahead of I-Day, discoms issue manjha advisory; warn of power cuts, electrocution risk

With kite flying expected to increase ahead of Independence Day, power distribution companies on Tuesday issued safety advisories urging residents to avoid using metal-coated or glass-powder-coated strings (manjha) and to stay away from overhead power lines

With kite flying expected to increase ahead of Independence Day, power distribution companies on Tuesday issued safety advisories urging residents to avoid using metal-coated or glass-powder-coated strings (manjha) and to stay away from overhead power lines.

According to the advisory by BSES and Tata Power-DDL, if glass/metal-coated strings come in contact with power lines, it can result in electric shocks, electrocution, damage to electrical equipment, and disruption of power supply.

BSES which supplies electricity to more than 5.44 million consumers across south, east, west, and central Delhi, said that the tripping of a single 33/66 kV overhead line can disrupt electricity supply to more than 10,000 residents, and an 11 kV line can affect over 2,500 consumers. The discom said its operations and maintenance teams have been placed on high alert to respond to possible kite-flying-related incidents in the days leading up to Independence Day.

The discom also launched an awareness campaign through social media, interactions with RWSs and consumer newsletters to highlight the dangers of flying kites near electrical infrastructure.

Tata Power-DDL, which supplies electricity to north and northwest Delhi, appealed to consumers to use cotton or other natural-fibre strings instead of metal-coated manjha. It also advised residents against using glass-coated or “Chinese manjha”, which can cause serious injuries to two-wheeler riders and birds.

The discom said it is intensifying its public safety campaign through awareness drives in JJ clusters and resettlement colonies, banners at its installations and public places, radio, social media and video advisories. Special awareness sessions are also being conducted in government and private schools.

Tata Power-DDL said its social impact group has identified areas such as Jahangirpuri, Mangolpuri, Sultanpuri, Kirari, Bhalaswa, Burari, Badli, Karala, Wazirpur and Bawana as prone to kite-flying-related power interruptions based on past trends.

Residents have also been advised not to touch or attempt to retrieve a kite or manjha caught on an overhead power line.

BSES said disrupting power supply or damaging electrical equipment can attract action under the Electricity Act and the Delhi Police Act.

For emergencies or power-related disruptions, BSES consumers can contact BRPL at 19123 and BYPL at 19122, while Tata Power-DDL has provided 19124 as its toll-free helpline.

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