Shocking! Transformer spots now dump yards

Secunderabad Cantonment: Poor maintenance has turned some transformers without fencing in Secunderabad Cantonment Board limits into dump yards where weeds have mushroomed, posing a serious threat to local residents.

As a result, accidents have occurred at transformers/streetlight poles in Tukaramgate, Marredpally, Boinpally and Begumpet divisions, leading to loss of human lives and death of animals. 

Some transformers constructed decades back have cement bricks and cement 'jali' fencing. Because of non-maintenance of transformers and piling up of garbage weeds have grown along the fencing. Buffelos eager to chew the weeds have died of electrocution. A boy was died of shock trying to retrieve a ball close to a transformer without fencing.

Last year during rainy season, a transformer in Karkhana caught fire due to short-circuit. Thankfully there was no loss of human life, as the mishap occurred during night. The Transco officials replaced the transformer, without bothering to take steps to prevent such fires.

Some transformers have become places for dumping garbage, as not only the sanitation staff but also vegetable vendors using pushcarts and hoteliers are leaving their waste material.

Garbage gets piled up at transformers resulting in stink, local residents have complained. They told The Hans India that they face the menace of mosquitoes/flies. They live in constant fear apprehending mishaps anytime in the absence of a proper fencing. 

By Gangadhar Badrinath