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A recent news article in Dainik Bhaskar dated April 27, 2024, and a subsequent Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed before the Hon’ble High Court of Chhattisgarh at Bilaspur have raised concerns regarding the safety of high-tension transmission lines. The PIL (No. 33 of 2024) was filed against the State of Chhattisgarh and others, highlighting that these high-tension lines are causing induction effects or electric fields, which have negatively impacted farming across thousands of acres. Villagers in the Bilaspur district have reported experiencing these induction effects on their land, raising significant safety and operational concerns. In response to these concerns, it is important to refer to Clause 48(7) of the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) Safety Regulations 2023, which clearly states that it is the responsibility of the owner of any installation with a voltage exceeding 650 V to maintain and operate the installations in a condition free from danger. This maintenance and operation must follow recommendations from the manufacturer or relevant standards. Given the serious implications of the reported issues, it is strongly recommended that all transmission utilities implement a proactive and comprehensive operations and maintenance (O&M) program. Regular and rigorous O&M practices are essential to prevent the induction or leakage currents from transmission lines, which can lead to severe safety hazards and operational inefficiencies. By adhering to best practices in O&M, utilities can mitigate the risks associated with these high-tension lines. The measures taken by the concerned utilities should focus not only on protecting the transmission infrastructure but also on ensuring the safety of the general public, as well as the surrounding flora and fauna. This approach will help in maintaining the integrity and reliability of the electric power system. These recommended practices must be implemented promptly to ensure the smooth, safe, reliable, and stable operation of the grid. By doing so, the safety and efficiency of the entire electric power system will be enhanced, protecting both human lives and the environment. The urgency of this matter has been acknowledged, and the recommended actions are to be taken with immediate effect. These actions have been approved by the Competent Authority to address the safety concerns associated with high-tension transmission lines and to ensure compliance with the relevant safety regulations. |
