Shillong, March 15: The Senior Electrical Inspector Inspectorate of Electricity Government of Meghalaya, Shillong stated that it has come to the notice that in several districts of the State of Meghalaya, Optical Fibre Cables (OFC’s) are being strung randomly on the electric poles without considering the strength, aging, clearance from electric lines as per relevant Regulations and factor of safety of the electric poles.
the Senior Electrical Inspector Inspectorate of Electricity Government of Meghalaya, Shillong stated said stringing of OFC’s has violated the measures of safety towards the lives and properties of human beings, as such it may cause the electric poles to bend or collapse, thereby may cause injuries to human beings and damage to the public properties such as vehicles, houses etc.
And whereas, due to non-adherence of safety norms while stringing of OFC on the electric poles in accordance with the Central Electricity Authority (measures relating to safety and electric supply) Regulations 2010, it has led to accidents whereby heavy vehicles ripped the cables and damaged the electric pole and electric line thereof.
This is in some parts of Shillong as well as in other district headquarters of Meghalaya, that have caused power interruptions and simultaneously caused high voltage surge and have damaged the electrical equipment in the houses of the general public. That such inactions are alarming and may cause injury or accident to the general public.
And whereas, it is noted that permission for stringing of the said OFC have not been sought by the concerned parties from the office of the Inspectorate of Electricity and no approval whatsoever have been issued for the same. Stringing of OFC’s on the electric poles is in contravention with the Regulations 19, 55 and 57 of the Central Electricity Authority (measures relating to safety and electric supply) Regulations 2010.
And whereas, it has come to the notice of the Undersigned that the clearance between the OFC and the electric conductor are not being strung as per Regulations 60, 61, 68, 69 and 77 of the Central Electricity Authority (measures relating to safety and electric supply) Regulations 2010 and that there is a possibility of electrical accident to the workers or injury resulting from contact, leakage or induction between such electric and telecommunication lines.
And whereas the State of Meghalaya being a hilly area of high wind pressures with high deviation of maximum and minimum temperatures, the size and weight of the OFC may cause the electric poles to collapse due to excessive loading, weight and coiling bunch of OFC on the poles which violates sub-regulations (7), (8) and (9) of the Regulations 57 of the Central Electricity Authority (measures relating to safety and electric supply) Regulations 2010, wherein the electric poles may collapse and there is a high possibility of accident or injuries during natural disaster due to wind pressure and heavy storms.
And whereas the right of pole usage (ROPU) by stringing of OFC on the electric pole for providing internet connectivity is important for all concerned, however safety of the general public is the highest priority that cannot be compromised.
Whereas, the OFC that have already been strung on the electric poles in different districts of the State of Meghalaya shall have to be removed immediately by the concerned party or individual to ensure that no further tilting or damages are caused to the electric poles in order to prevent the high possibilities of accident or injuries to human lives and damage to public properties.
Now therefore in lieu of Public Interest, considering their utmost safety and in exercise of the power conferred by Section 177 of the Electricity Act, 2003 (36 of 2003), and Rules and Regulations made thereunder; it is hereby directed that permission and clearance have to be sought from the Inspectorate of Electricity for stringing of OFC on any electric poles, who in turn will conduct inspection and check the feasibility for necessary clearance and accord approval for safety of all concerned.
Henceforth, no stringing of OFC by any party or individual is allowed on the electric poles without any written approval from the Senior Electrical Inspector, Inspectorate of Electricity, Government of Meghalaya.
That it is also pertinent to note, that the orders issued by this Office derives its power as set down under the Electricity Act, 2003, and a failure to comply with Orders/Directions of this Office is an offence and is punishable as enshrined under Section 146 of the Electricity Act, 2003.
