In a proactive measure ahead of the monsoon season, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has successfully installed and repaired the earthing systems in approximately two lakh street lamp posts throughout the city. This initiative aims to prevent electrocution incidents during periods of heavy rainfall or flooding, which have been a recurring issue in recent years.
As part of this comprehensive anti-electrocution drive, the KMC plans to examine additional lamp posts over the next two to three weeks to ensure all necessary corrective actions are implemented. Over the past month, the KMC deployed several dedicated teams, each consisting of an electrician, a labourer, and a helper, to inspect and rectify the earthing systems of the city’s lamp posts. This initiative was spurred by multiple electrocution fatalities reported across different areas of the city in the past few years.
Officials from the KMC lighting department highlighted that the primary focus was on slum areas and newly developed urban regions off the EM Bypass, which are particularly vulnerable to waterlogging. Currently, there are approximately three lakh street lamp posts across the 144 wards under KMC jurisdiction. A senior lighting department official stated, “We aim to repair and install the earthing systems in the remaining one lakh lamp posts within the next two to three weeks.” Several residential areas, including Kasba, Bagmari, Tiljala, Topsia, Picnic Garden, Garia, Haridevpur, and Behala, have already seen significant repairs and installations of earthing systems. In areas such as Santoshpur, Purbachal, Mukundapur, Anadapur, VIP Nagar, and other locations off the EM Bypass, numerous poles were found without any grounding systems. This work was expedited following the Met office’s forecast on Cyclone Remal.
The KMC’s swift and comprehensive response is a testament to its commitment to public safety. By addressing the earthing issues of lamp posts, particularly in waterlogging-prone areas, the KMC aims to significantly reduce the risk of electrocution incidents during the upcoming monsoon season.
This initiative not only enhances public safety but also underscores the importance of infrastructure maintenance in urban management. As the KMC continues its efforts, the city can look forward to a safer environment where the risks associated with monsoon-related electrocutions are minimised. This preemptive approach highlights the KMC’s dedication to safeguarding the well-being of Kolkata’s residents through effective urban planning and maintenance strategies.
