2 weeks Ago
Unplanned and hazardous transmission lines under Barlekha regional office of Moulvibazar Palli Bidyut Samity have raised risk of electrocution among residents. Around 400 power lines are left unattended, including many low-tension (LT phase) power lines that are hanging within arm's reach or just above the rooftops of houses in different areas in Barlekha upazila. As such, residents have constantly been amid risk of fatal accidents.
Despite repeated complaints, the authorities concerned of Palli Bidyut are yet to take any effective measure to this end. Last year alone, seven people -- including six members of the same family -- died by electrocution from Palli Bidyut lines in Juri and Barlekha. Earlier, in 2022, another worker lost his life in a similar incident.
Many residents alleged that they often face harassment from officials of Palli Bidyut's Barlekha regional office when they reported regarding this issue. They also alleged that the officials of the regional office have been colluding with a syndicate to exploit customers instead of addressing their safety concerns. "I went to the Palli Bidyut's Barlekha office repeatedly seeking measures to fix the power lines in front of my house as those are hanging too low and pose grave risk.
Even though I submitted a written complaint and met with Ashraf Haider, assistant general manager of the office, no steps have been taken yet," said Satyendra Biswas of Pakua village in the upazila. Matin Mia, a resident of Shankarpur village in the upazila, echoed him. Shahabuddin of Mahadikona village in the upazila said after repeated complaints for two years, the authorities only slightly raised the cables using bamboo poles, but those still pose significant risk to children and the elderly people.
Contacted, Md Khairul Baki Khan, deputy general manager of the Barlekha regional office of Palli Bidyut, said they were aware of the issue. "We are currently working to identify the risky power lines within this month. A report will be prepared and sent to higher authorities, and the work to fix these lines is likely to start next month," he said.
Unplanned and hazardous transmission lines under Barlekha regional office of Moulvibazar Palli Bidyut Samity have raised risk of electrocution among residents. Around 400 power lines are left unattended, including many low-tension (LT phase) power lines that are hanging within arm's reach or just above the rooftops of houses in different areas in Barlekha upazila. As such, residents have constantly been amid risk of fatal accidents.
Despite repeated complaints, the authorities concerned of Palli Bidyut are yet to take any effective measure to this end. Last year alone, seven people -- including six members of the same family -- died by electrocution from Palli Bidyut lines in Juri and Barlekha. Earlier, in 2022, another worker lost his life in a similar incident.
Many residents alleged that they often face harassment from officials of Palli Bidyut's Barlekha regional office when they reported regarding this issue. They also alleged that the officials of the regional office have been colluding with a syndicate to exploit customers instead of addressing their safety concerns. "I went to the Palli Bidyut's Barlekha office repeatedly seeking measures to fix the power lines in front of my house as those are hanging too low and pose grave risk.
Even though I submitted a written complaint and met with Ashraf Haider, assistant general manager of the office, no steps have been taken yet," said Satyendra Biswas of Pakua village in the upazila. Matin Mia, a resident of Shankarpur village in the upazila, echoed him. Shahabuddin of Mahadikona village in the upazila said after repeated complaints for two years, the authorities only slightly raised the cables using bamboo poles, but those still pose significant risk to children and the elderly people.
Contacted, Md Khairul Baki Khan, deputy general manager of the Barlekha regional office of Palli Bidyut, said they were aware of the issue. "We are currently working to identify the risky power lines within this month. A report will be prepared and sent to higher authorities, and the work to fix these lines is likely to start next month," he said.
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