Open power boxes lie unattended in Sec 18
A number of open feeder pillars and power boxes at the Noida Sector 18 market continue to pose a threat to people and animals, according to the market association. Shopkeepers said the issue has not been fixed despite complaints and they have had to take to social media to raise the issue.
Traders said many of these open wires, transformer covers and feeder boxes are located right outside shops or in the proximity of pathways that can lead to accidents during rain.
“There are a number of feeder boxes and cable connections, which are exposed and open across the Sector 18 market area. The boxes are unlocked and open. A few days ago, a dog was electrocuted. The market is usually busy--who would be responsible if any untoward incident takes place? In case of waterlogging, the threat of a mishap increases. Officials should look into it,” said Sushil Kumar Jain, president, Sector 18 market association. He added that the issue has been raised multiple times but to no avail.
Pallavi Dar, a resident who feeds stray dogs in Sector 18 and found one electrocuted last week, said that she has been raising the issue on social media. “It is so shocking that there are so many high voltage cables in the boxes and they are all open. That too in one of the most posh markets of the city in front of famous food joints. I understand that many people don’t care about animals but what if a child touches it? It’s such a dangerous thing and officials seem least bothered,” said Dar.
Officials said they will inspect the entire area, adding that a lot of old cable feeders and chambers are being replaced in different sectors. “There are many panels and feeder boxes in the city which have become old. The work is already underway to change the old setups and install new ones. Till then, we will get the issue fixed at Sector 18 soon,” said VN Singh, chief engineer, Pashchimanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Ltd (PVVNL), Noida.