Tura, June 30: If you ever met six-year-old Chidam Marak you would
realize what his parents know – what they feel: he is indeed a very
special child.
The young boy lost both his arms after being electrocuted at Chasingre
near Tura in West Garo Hills on November 16 last year. While returning
from school, the child had urinated near the edge of a high voltage
transformer, which led to the electrocution.
Marak displays a strong will-power and determination at his age. “I
want to go back to School, write, meet my friends and play”, said
Marak.
His playful nature has inspired his father to knock all doors seeking
help for his son, a victim of sheer negligence of Meghalaya Power
Distribution Corporation Limited (MePDCL).
“All cries and repeated reminders to MePDCL have fallen on deaf ears.
It is a clear case of negligence as the transformer was unmanned and
unfenced”, said West Garo Hills deputy commissioner Pravin Bakshi.
A magisterial probe constituted by deputy commissioner has named the
electricity corporation for its negligence. The report said, “The
transformer was fenced only after the incident. It was located on the
roadside on a very low platform”.
“We are frustrated with the corporation, so we have decided to issue
appeal to help this child”, said Bakshi.
Marak’s father, Roni A. Sangma, a daily wage labourer said “I am in
dilemma how to give a new life for my son. I have met deputy
commissioner seeking his help. He has been generous and has helped us
so far”.
Sangma works in the coal mines of Nongalbibra in South Garo Hills.
After the blanket ban of mining in the state recently by the National
Green Tribunal, he is now at Tura without work.
The right hand of the boy was amputated on November 26 last year. His
left hand, which has severe burn injuries, needs skin grafting. Two
months ago, the treatment for the same began at the GNRC in Guwahati.
“He needs a reconstruction surgery, prosthetic limbs and
physiotherapy”, says Sangma.
His first phase of medical attention is undergoing. Doctors say he
will need myo electric hand that cost Rs. 6.50 lakh.
Marak has 100 per cent hope for survival and lead a normal life with a
myo electric hand, he can write as well as play with his friends.
His parents were moving forward with an operation until they ran into
a stumbling block on the way.
Sangma says, “The problem that we initially ran into was money, DC
provided us an assistance of Rs. 1.50 lakh but for his initial
treatment, we need more cash”
He goes on to add, “I never thought that one time I would have to
battle to give my son a new life but this unfortunate tragedy and I am
helpless and poor. DC told that he will issue appeal to help my son
through media”.
“Whatever God has planned we are prepared for it we know that he is
his and he makes the ultimate decision in the end,” says Sangma.
Bakshi in his appeal said, “Chidam Marak is a victim
of self centeredness, our colossal apathy, crass disregard for human
life more than the unfenced transformer”.
A missionary run NGO – Bakdil, Bethany Society and Childline has
joined the campaign in Meghalaya to raise funds for the Marak.
In November last year, DC release a financial assistance of Rs. 50,000/-
In February this year, DC collected a generous donation of Rs. 1, 00,000/-
DC has sought electricity corporation assistance to release
compensation, which is still awaited.
On Jan 22, Meghalaya chief minister, Mukul Sangma ordered a probe
directing the DC to punish the guilty, including the lineman and other
concerned. He also asked the electricity corporation to pay
compensation for the rehabilitation of the victim.
For generation contribution
Donation can be made to the account of the Deputy Commissioner, West
Garo Hills Account No. 30817145118, State Bank of India, Chandmari
Branch, Tura with confirmation to Phone No. 03651-223835/fax no.
03651-221179 or email: tura@nic.in for personalized receipt
Findings and recommendation of the magisterial probe
The accident has happened due to the negligence on the part of the
electricity corporation as fencing and gate of the transformer
remained open for many months. The department has failed to check the
fencing and has it been fenced, the accident might have been
prevented.
The electricity corporation should bore all the medical expenses for
the victim.
Since the victim may have permanent disability, life time compensation
may be given to the victim by offering Grade IV job.
Action taken by electricity corporation
Inquiry conducted by the senior electrical inspector, Shillong on Feb
17, 2014, which has been submitted to Director Corporate Affairs,
Shillong. The response is awaited.(SP News)
