Latest news with #ElectricalInspectorate
New Indian Express
15-07-2025
- New Indian Express
Massive blaze guts used furniture shop near North railway overbridge in Kochi
KOCHI: A major fire broke out at a used-furniture shop near the Ernakulam North Railway Overbridge (ROB) in the early hours of Monday, completely gutting the establishment. According to Fire and Rescue Services officials, the blaze was first noticed by nearby residents. The shop was located close to commercial and residential buildings, including an apartment and a house. Also, there is a petrol pump operating near the shop. 'It was a major fire, with all the furniture engulfed in flames. We immediately evacuated nearby residents to a safer location and began the firefighting operations. Also, measures were taken to prevent the fire from spreading to the petrol pump and shops nearby,' said a Fire and Rescue Service officer. Around seven fire tenders from Gandhi Nagar, Club Road, Mattancherry, Thrikkakara, Eloor, and Tripunithura were deployed to bring the fire under control. It took over two hours to douse the flames. However, smoke continued emanating from the place. The entire operation continued till 8am. Preliminary investigations suggest that an electrical short circuit may have triggered the fire. However, the exact reason would be verified by various agencies, including the Electrical Inspectorate, after conducting a probe. The initial estimate of damage is around Rs 20 lakh.
Time of India
21-06-2025
- Time of India
KSEB issues public advisory against illegal electric fencing
1 2 3 4 T'puram: KSEB has issued a public advisory against unauthorised electric fencing installations. Over the past two years, electric shock from such fences claimed 24 lives, including two children, across the state. KSEB officials claim that these incidents typically occur due to illegal power tapping from KSEB lines or through unauthorised diversion of domestic power connections to fences. For installing electric fences against wildlife intrusion and crop protection, one must obtain specific approval from the Electrical Inspectorate. Direct or indirect power connection from KSEB lines to electric fences is strictly prohibited. The only permissible equipment are battery-operated electric fence energisers with impulse generators that comply with standard IS 302-2-76 (1999) Section 76 Part 2. The Electricity Act of 2003, Section 14, Article 135 (1) (e) classifies unauthorised use of electricity for fencing as illegal, carrying penalties of up to three years' imprisonment, monetary fines, or both. "Public vigilance is essential to prevent such hazardous violations. Any observed electricity misuse should be reported to the local KSEB section office or the emergency contact 9496010101. This number should be used exclusively for emergencies," KSEB authorities said.
The Hindu
20-06-2025
- The Hindu
Permission from Electrical Inspectorate must for installing electric fences, says KSEB
Permission from the Electrical Inspectorate is mandatory for installing electric fences meant to keep out wild animals and protect farm lands, the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) said on Friday. In the past two years alone, 24 people have died of electrocution from electric fences, the KSEB observed. In the latest incident, an illegal electric trap set for wild boars at Vazhikkadavu, Malappuram, claimed the life of a 15-year-old school boy and injured two others. 'In many instances, the accidents are caused by fences illegally powered from KSEB distribution lines or from domestic connections, the power utility said. Such practices are expressly prohibited. Only battery-powered electric fence energisers equipped with impulse generators as laid down under Section 76 (Part 2) of the Standard IS 302-2-76 (1999) can be used, the KSEB said. Illegal drawing of electricity for electric fencing is punishable under the Electricity Act, 2003, it added. The KSEB has also urged the public to alert the nearest Section Office or the dial 9496010101 about misuse of electricity.
New Indian Express
17-06-2025
- New Indian Express
24 lives lost in a year as illegal electric fences turn into deathtraps in Kerala
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Illegal electric fences claimed 24 lives in the state over a one-year period, ending this March. This is a sharp increase from the 16 deaths reported in the previous year. In 2024-25, Palakkad accounted for the most deaths (10), followed by Thrissur (5) and Malappuram (3). Two people were killed in Pathanamthitta while one person each died in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha and Kannur, showed the data with the state's Electrical Inspectorate (EI). In 2023-24 too, Palakkad reported the highest number of deaths (9). 'Several farmers are using illegal electric fences to prevent wildlife incursions. Casualties can be prevented if they take the legal route — erecting the structures with an equipment, fence energiser. An ISI-certified energiser costs around Rs 10,000,' says Vinod G, Chief Electrical Inspector. As per law, electric fences require prior sanction from the EI. A fence energiser converts power into short high-voltage pulses and will not kill humans or animals upon contact. Though non-lethal, such fences will effectively deter animals or intruders. 'Anti-social elements using electric fences to trap wild boars for trading their meat is another cause for concern. Such fences are directly connected to the KSEB power line. Unsuspecting landowners or passersby fall victims to it,' Vinod said. According to him, a high-level committee had recently discussed the issue of illegal fences. 'On its basis, the EI will recommend the government to form micro-level committees to identify and prevent installation of such fences,' said Vinod.
The Hindu
23-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Shops in mofussil bus stand building to reopen on May 26
Shops in the mofussil bus stand building that were shut down following a recent fire will reopen from Monday (May 26). Representatives of the Mofussil Bus Stand Licensees Association, Vyapari Vyavasayi Samithi, and the Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi participated in a meeting convened by Mayor Beena Philip on Friday (May 23), during which the Kozhikode Corporation assured full cooperation to expedite the reopening of the shops. Meanwhile, representatives of the Electrical Inspectorate and the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) noted that the building's electrical network was completely damaged in the fire. They said that temporary repairs could pose serious risks and recommended complete replacement of cables and panels. A decision was taken in the meeting to speed up re-electrification on a war footing under the Disaster Management Rule, aiming for completion within three weeks. In the first phase, panels will be replaced and power connections will be provided to each shop. The licensees will carry out internal wiring for their shops. Electrification of the common areas will follow in the second phase. The KSEB has been directed to regulate the connected load as requested by the licensees. The Corporation and the police agreed to allow the temporary use of generators to power the shops. Licensees have also been instructed to update fire safety measures in their shops. Common fire safety measures will be implemented throughout the building. The superintending engineer has reported that the building has no structural stability issues, and hence, the fire debris will be cleared immediately by the Corporation's Health Wing in preparation for reopening. The Corporation also decided to speed up the project for a complete renovation of the mofussil bus stand building. Steps will also be taken to evict unauthorised vendors in the building. The licensees and trade organisations agreed to the Corporation's terms and extended full cooperation. Deputy Mayor C.P. Musafar Ahamed, chairpersons of various standing committees, councillors, and officials from the Corporation, KSEB, Electrical Inspectorate, police, and the Fire and Rescue Services department attended the meeting.
