E-Paper
Living dangerously with 11,000 volts
BE IT a lapse either by the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Ltd, or the Allahabad Development Authority, residents of ADA?s Kasari Masari colony are forced to pay the price.
BE IT a lapse either by the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Ltd, or the Allahabad Development Authority, residents of ADA’s Kasari Masari colony are forced to pay the price.
The ADA is accused of allowing a large number of illegal constructions in the colony, where the UPPCL’s high-tension electricity line passes through. The power line of 11,000 volts is quite close to many of the houses, allegedly constructed illegally, and this has even caused several incidents in the locality.
One of the victims Poonam Sahota, a resident of LIG 74, had to lose her right hand and the toes of both her feet. She sustained a severe electric shock near house no. LIG 36 on October 25, 2005.
She was admitted to a private hospital where her hand and toes were amputated. She was the only earning member of the family and now she is unable to work.
On May 18, 2006, Samajwadi Party workers submitted a memorandum to the district administration and demanded compensation of Rs 10 lakh from the UPPCL and payment of treatment charges.
Besides, Poonam Sahota moved the National Human Rights Commission and sought justice. The commission took cognisance of the case and issued a notice to the chief secretary of Uttar Pradesh and the department concerned.
However, the victim is yet to get any relief. Interestingly, employees of the ADA have started visiting Sahota to offer some money for keeping quiet. Though no compensation has been sought from the ADA, its employees are taking extra care. Perhaps they are afraid that if the issue is taken up seriously, their connivance in illegal constructions in the colony will come to the fore.
And in case the illegal buildings are demolished, those who had greased their palms for allowing these constructions will start demanding money, feel the Samajwadi Party workers. A Press release issued by SM Askari, district secretary of SP’s Minority Cell, said the Power Corporation was responsible for the loss and it should pay compensation without further delay.
