The Madhya Pradesh Power Transmission Company (MP Transco) has issued 853 notices over constructions identified along three 132kV high-tension power lines in Bhopal and its outskirts, while the Madhya Pradesh High Court has sought replies from 10 officials on how permissions were granted within restricted transmission corridors.
The notices cover areas including Karond, Bairagarh, Govindpura, Narayankheda, Devkinandan Nagar, Anand Nagar, Jain Colony, Kaliyasot and Ratanpur, where rapid urban expansion has brought buildings and other structures close to electricity transmission routes.
The issue is also before the Jabalpur bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court through a public interest litigation. The plea alleges that construction permissions were granted within corridors where development is restricted because of safety requirements around high-voltage transmission lines. The court has sought responses from 10 officials, including the additional chief secretaries of the energy and urban development departments.
MP Transco officials said the notices were issued after construction activity at several locations made it difficult to maintain the electrical clearances required along the transmission routes. The company said structures near the lines could create difficulties for regular maintenance and repair work, with possible implications for the reliability of electricity supply.
The safety concern extends beyond newly constructed buildings. Existing houses and colonies located close to the transmission lines may also be exposed to risks if the prescribed clearances are not maintained. The applicable norms provide for a restricted corridor of 27 metres on either side of a 132kV transmission line and 35 metres on either side of a 220kV line.
According to the report, conductors can swing during strong winds, increasing the risk of electrical contact or arcing near buildings and other structures. Such incidents can cause serious or fatal accidents. Structures built close to the lines can also restrict access for maintenance teams when faults occur, potentially making repairs more difficult.
The three 132kV lines under scrutiny are the Govindpura line, the Bhopal-Bairagarh Tap-Lalghati line, the Bhopal-IT Park line and the Bhopal-Amrawat Khurd line. MP Transco said the notices relate to construction along these routes where the required clearances are difficult to maintain.
MP Transco superintending engineer Sudhir Nema said the company was preparing an awareness campaign in coordination with the local administration to educate construction owners about electrical safety requirements. Further action will be taken in accordance with directions issued by the Madhya Pradesh High Court.
