MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): Even after two decades, Earthquake-damaged power poles in Muzaffarabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmirs (AJK), have not been repaired. As a result, electric wires continue to hang over rooftops and courtyards, causing serious difficulties for residents and raising fears of a potential accident.
Across the city’s 32 wards and surrounding areas, damaged power lines have made life miserable for locals. Massive electric poles along busy roads have shifted from their original positions, posing a constant risk.
Despite being fully aware of the Earthquake-damaged power poles, the concerned officials in the electricity department have failed to take action. If even one pole were to collapse, it could cause widespread destruction.
Speaking to Kashmir Digital, residents said that the sagging wires and tilted poles from the Earthquake-damaged power poles in the streets could lead to a major incident at any moment.
Wires are hanging dangerously in several areas from these Earthquake-damaged power poles. Previously, there had been an initiative to encase the wires in plastic safety boxes, and while some progress was made by the electricity department, for unknown reasons, the work was left incomplete.
Residents further complained that a major issue in the state is that whenever someone performs well in a department, they are quickly transferred elsewhere.
They warned that the overhead wires from the Earthquake-damaged power poles passing directly above residential areas could lead to a serious mishap at any time.
They urged the government to take immediate steps to remove tilted poles and overhead wires of Earthquake-damaged power poles from rooftops and courtyards to ensure the safety of citizens’ lives.
