MeECL asked to take steps to avert accidents

SHILLONG: In the wake of the electrocution tragedy that killed six of a family in Mawphlang on Thursday, the United Democratic Party (UDP) on Friday asked Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL) to inspect different parts of the city to find out if high tension wires are posing danger.
UDP working president Jemino Mawthoh said there are several localities where high tension wires are hanging over buildings putting lives at risk.
Mawthoh said many people build houses carelessly without taking into account the electricity wires and that MeECL should conduct awareness programmes to ensure that houses do not come up haphazardly.
“We also feel that the authorities concerned should discourage issuing permissions for construction of houses near transformers and wires,” Mawthoh said.
Condoling the death of the woman and her five children, the UDP leader said preventive measures should be taken to avert accidents in the future. “This incident happened due to complete lack of insensitivity on the part of MeECL and the residents,” Mawthoh said.
The district administration has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident and the Mawphlang BDO has been asked to submit his report within four days.
The funeral of those who were electrocuted took place on Friday.
Meanwhile, UDP will also discuss the public transport system of the city among other issues  during its  general council  to be held on today at Deva Kumar Das Memorial Hall at Sankar Dev College.
UDP General Secretary,  Allantry Franklin Dkhar   said that    council will also   receive reports from  different  constituencies   and a resolution will be adopted at the end of the meet.
The council will also renew the  officer bearers.