Electrocution deaths: Faulty wiring, unfenced transformer pose danger
SHILLONG: A joint team of the Civil Society Women’s Organisation (CSWO) and the People’s Mission inspected the site in Mawphlang block where the electrocution tragedy happened a few days ago and found gross negligence by Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL).
The team visited the house of Prisdalin Shangpliang, the 35-year-old woman who along with her five children died from electrocution on October 27, at Lyngiong in Nongthymmai Neng in East Khasi Hills district on Saturday.
The members found faulty electricity wiring and that MeECL failed to ensure the safety of the residents.
Pointing to the faulty wiring, CSWO president Agnes Kharshiing said the transformer was not fenced properly and there was no fuse in the transformer.
On further inquiry, CSWO found that the MeECL linesmen are mainly casual appointees and are sometimes from other districts. After a lineman retires, MeECL never fills the vacancy but appoints a casual worker with less pay. These linesmen have to cover many villages and with the meager payment and no allowances, they often skip many villages.
Several households in the locality are bearing the brunt of MeECL’s negligence.
The high voltage electricity flow from the transformer has burnt meter boxes in many houses. In two houses belonging to Rimet Shangpliang and Kheitmon Ryntathiang, the meter boxes have melted.
Condemning MeECL, the team demanded huge compensation for the affected family and that the amount should be recovered from errant MeECL officials.
The team members met Prisdalin’s husband Tirot Khyriem at his house. Khyriem said when he returned home, he found his wife and five children lying on the ground. One of his daughters was also hurt. The courage of one Seibor Shangpliang, who hit the wires of the transformers, saved the other children.
The couple had 11 children and the woman was five-month pregnant.
CSWO demanded that the Government should not waste time in deciding the compensation to the bereaved family and the amount should not be a measly one “for so many precious lives were lost”. It also recommended the name of Seibor Shangpliang for a bravery award.
They demanded that action should also be taken against those who neglected their duties to protect the lives of consumers and that immediate checking of all transformers be done so more tragedies are avoided.
MeECL should also refund the money taken on presumption from the villagers taking advantage of their illiteracy.
This amount should be charged from the officials concerned as this arose out of inaction in running the company by high officials and public demand accountability.