BCC's tubular poles could send you to hell

BCC's tubular poles could send you to hell
New Indian Express

BANGALORE: The open junction boxes of mild-steel tubular poles are a classic example of the apathetic attitude of the BCC. If Bangalore receives the amount of rain Mumbai recently received, it will be very difficult to estimate the loss of life due to the fact that these poles are so dangerous.

There are around 1,82,149 light fittings in Bangalore providing the much needed light during the night. The Bangalore City Corporation (BCC) has installed thousands of mild-steel tubular poles in the City. Each pole has a provision for the junction box at its bottom, just one or two feet above the ground.

But a majority of these junction boxes have no covers. The exposed live wires pose a great danger to unwary people, especially children who could touch these wires while playing.

The BCC, which is supposed to maintain these poles, had assigned the maintenance to companies like Bajaj, Crompton Greaves and Philips. Though these companies can replace fused bulbs, they do not seem to be putting in their best efforts as far as maintenance of junction boxes are concerned.

Since the junction box covers are made of steel, rag pickers lay their hands on them without any problem as on can easily remove the covers with a small screw driver.

The pathetic condition of the junction boxes at the APMC Yard, Dr. Ambedkar Veedhi, Ulsoor, Shivajinagar, New Thippasandra, Jeevanahalli, Vasanthnagar, Malleswaram and Majestic are a clear sign of the perfunctory attitude of the BCC. Even though it has assigned the responsibility to three companies, it can’t wash its hands off.

Though the BCC has launched a junction box relocation drive on roads like M.G. Road, Residency, Brigade, Cubbon and Rajbhavan Road, electric poles on the remaining roads need urgent attention. It is learnt that it requires Rs 700 to fix these junction boxes at safer places.

Sources say the BCC is all set to invite tenders for the maintenance of street lights in Bangalore City. Earlier, some electrical contractors have gone to court against the BCC awarding the contract to Philips, Bajaj and Crompton.

Can the BCC make life safe for Bangaloreans?