SCR Urges Safety as Kites Pose Threat Near Railway Tracks
In an ongoing effort to safeguard public safety, the South Central Railway (SCR) has issued an urgent appeal to citizens, particularly during the Sankranti season, to avoid flying kites near railway tracks. The appeal comes in the wake of increasing incidents where individuals have suffered life-threatening electric shocks due to kite threads becoming entangled with overhead traction wires. These wires carry a high-voltage electric current, which can cause fatal accidents if people or even vehicles come into contact with them. The situation is compounded by the use of Chinese-imported kite threads, which are conductive and further amplify the risk of electrical mishaps.
Last year, during the Sankranti festival, several people were reported to have suffered from severe electric shocks after coming into contact with kite threads caught in the 15kV traction wires. In response to these incidents, SCR has made it a priority to not only warn the public about the dangers but also to take proactive measures to prevent future occurrences. The public is advised to immediately report any sighting of kite threads hanging from railway wires, enabling trained railway personnel to safely remove them. This initiative aims to reduce the number of accidents related to kite flying near railways and ensure safer environments for both pedestrians and passengers.
Meanwhile, in a separate development, the Hyderabad city police have been closely monitoring public safety through various measures, including providing counseling to their staff and reinforcing safety protocols across the South Central Railway zones. These measures are a response to recent operational challenges and are part of a broader initiative to improve safety and punctuality across the railway network. SCR General Manager Arun Kumar Jain has highlighted the importance of regular safety training for locomotive pilots and operational personnel, emphasizing the necessity of thorough inspections and pre-movement brake power tests to prevent accidents. These steps form part of the railway’s ongoing commitment to creating a safer travel experience for the public.
On a related note, the Drug Control Administration (DCA) in Hyderabad has released its annual report for 2024, revealing significant enforcement actions against the illegal drug market. In a year marked by proactive measures, the DCA filed a total of 337 drug-related cases, with seizures amounting to a staggering ₹7.64 crore. These cases ranged from misleading advertisements and drugs sold by unauthorized practitioners to the dismantling of spurious drug rackets. The collaboration between the DCA and the Prohibition and Excise Department led to joint operations that resulted in the seizure of drugs valued at ₹11.32 crore. The success of these operations highlights the DCA’s ongoing efforts to crack down on illegal drug activities and protect the public from dangerous substances.
Sustainability Perspective:
The rise of incidents related to kite flying near railway tracks, combined with the ongoing drug enforcement efforts, underscores the importance of maintaining a sustainable and safe urban environment. The railway’s efforts to remove kite threads can significantly reduce not only the risk of accidents but also help protect the energy infrastructure that powers the city’s trains, thus contributing to a more reliable and efficient transport network. Similarly, the DCA’s fight against illicit drugs, while promoting public safety, also highlights the importance of ensuring that public spaces remain free from illegal activities, fostering a safer and healthier environment for all residents. Both these efforts are integral to building a sustainable, secure, and well-regulated urban space for future generations.
The initiative by SCR to address the dangers posed by kite flying and its broader safety measures reflect a growing awareness of the intricate relationship between public safety and infrastructure sustainability. By integrating technology, enforcing regulations, and educating the public, the city is taking significant steps towards a safer and more sustainable urban environment. The collaboration between various authorities such as SCR, DCA, and local law enforcement agencies provides a model for how city governance can address pressing civic issues while fostering public responsibility.
