PMC Warns Ganesh Mandals Against Using Street-Light Poles

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has issued an electrical safety appeal to citizens and Ganesh mandals ahead of the Ganeshotsav celebrations.

The PMC has warned against using street-light poles, junction boxes, and feeder pillars for temporary power connections, citing the risk of accidents during the festival.

The civic body's electrical department is inspecting street-light poles across the city and carrying out necessary maintenance and repairs. Citizens have been asked to report any damaged or dangerous poles to the nearest regional office.

The PMC has specifically warned Ganesh mandals against taking electricity connections from junction boxes or feeder pillars attached to street-light poles. Instead, they have been urged to obtain authorised temporary connections from the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL).

Manisha Shetkare, Chief Engineer (Electrical) at PMC, has appealed to Ganesh mandals to cooperate with the civic body and obtain authorised electricity connections to ensure a safe and joyful celebration.

The PMC has also cautioned mandals against damaging underground electrical cables while installing pandals. Organisers often dig roads to erect temporary structures, which can damage cable insulation and create the possibility of electric current reaching the metal structures of a mandap.

The civic body has appealed to organisers to exercise extreme caution while carrying out excavation work and ensure that underground cables are not damaged.

Citizens have been advised to exercise caution when interacting with electrical equipment, including not touching street-light poles, feeder pillars, or electrical equipment, and not drawing unauthorised electricity from poles.

They have also been warned against climbing junction boxes, approaching exposed underground cables, tying animals or wires to poles, or attaching flexes and hoardings to them.

The PMC's appeal aims to prevent accidents and ensure a safe and enjoyable Ganeshotsav celebration for all citizens.

The warning is particularly significant given the large number of Ganesh mandals and citizens who participate in the festival, and the potential risks associated with temporary electrical connections.

By taking these precautions, the PMC hopes to minimize the risk of accidents and ensure a successful and accident-free Ganeshotsav celebration.