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Meerut fire makes UPPCL wary
While Dadhikando fair has already begun with much fanfare and Durga puja is round the corner the organizers of the two big events are in a quandary.
No temporary power connection sans safety clearance
While Dadhikando fair has already begun with much fanfare and Durga puja is round the corner the organizers of the two big events are in a quandary.
Reason: The Power Corporation officials have refused to grant temporary legal power connections to them. The horrifying Meerut fire tragedy caused by electrical short circuit has given them all the reason to be extra cautious lest the axe falls on them in the event of any mishap.
So, those seeking temporary connections for the Dadhikando fair were being first advised to procure no objection certificate from the electricity safety department situated in Allahpur. While some organisers have sought the certificate from the electrical safety department others have not even cared to undertake any of the legal formalities. Like previous years such organisers have already made up their mind to go in for illegal connections caring two hoots to all rules and regulations, said a power corporation official. In case of any mishap every body will be in trouble, said the official.
As for us, 'we are in a catch 22 position'. On the one hand it is the religious sentiments of the people while on the other hand rules and regulations bind us. All rules to be observed while providing temporary connections were not new.
They have been there since the beginning but the fact is that hardly any committee had been following them. He admitted that Meerut fire tragedy has served as a big eye-opener to the power officials and that is why nobody wants to take the risk of allowing people to have katia connections and carry on with the revelry, he added. Even then some organisers have not cared to apply.
The management committee of Teliarganj-Rasoolabad Dadhikando fair has not applied for the temporary connection and plans to hold the event this evening in their old style by taking illegal connection. When asked whether any action against the committee was in the offing, a power official, on condition of anonymity, said, 'no'. We cannot also stop the fair and even make all necessary arrangements. He admitted that certain things were carried out through the back door.
General secretary Dadhikando committee Rajapur Pradeep Srivastava says, he has already deposited a sum of Rs 417 in the treasury for getting the electricity safety certificate. The official concerned, he said, asked him to apply for temporary connection at the Mayo Hall Division. But when he went there he was clearly told that the temporary connection will only be given after the safety officials give a clean chit.
Executive Engineer Mayo Hall RK Sharma on his part said, he will give the connection even on Sunday but only after seeing the certificate. Those who were not taking the connection legally will have to pay through their nose. We will issue RC and recover the money, he added.
Sources said, there were chinks in the armour of the Power Corporation itself. Old worn-out conductors were dangling precariously over the roads through which the tableau will pass adding to the danger looming large in everyone's mind. Any thing may happen anywhere.
