Residents of R.A. Puram Demand Urgent Electrical Infrastructure Overhaul
Residents of R.A. Puram are raising alarms over persistent power fluctuations and transformer sparks, which pose significant safety risks. This issue has been ongoing for over two years, yet there has been no substantial action to resolve it. The worst affected are the residents of 4th and 6th Main Road, along with 3rd Cross Street.
Gayathri Sivasankaran of 4th Cross Street highlights the severe condition of the transformer in her apartment complex, which frequently catches fire resulting in regular power outages. This transformer serves the entire street and, despite numerous complaints, Tangedco’s responses have been limited to temporary fixes. "We live in constant fear of a fire accident because of this transformer. We urge Tangedco to provide us with a new transformer immediately," she pleads.
The electrical infrastructure in R.A. Puram has been neglected for over 25 years, with few Ring Main Units (RMUs) in place while the rest are outdated. Most streets operate on a single phase, leaving the other two inactive. Arun L., Vice-President of the Raja Annamalai Puram Residents Association (RAPRA) and a resident of 6th Main Road, outlines that while the colony was established in 1955, the electrical system installed 30 to 45 years ago has not been upgraded, leading to frequent outages.
"Transformers in residential apartments impose repair costs on residents, which are unaffordable. The Tamil Nadu Electricity Board should take charge of these repairs or replacements and install RMUs," Arun urges. He also notes issues with poorly maintained pillar boxes, damaged cables requiring relaying, and inadequate transformers that do not match the load demand, exacerbated by the area’s residential and commercial growth.
An official from the EB department stated that work is in progress and restoration will be completed soon.
Published – September 30, 2024, 09:40 am IST
Original Story https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/power-fluctuations-plague-ra-puram-residents/article68699964.ece
Category : Chennai
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