An incident that could have resulted in a major disaster occurred in Kumarghat, Unakoti district, Tripura, where an electric tower supporting a 132 KV transmission line collapsed into a river at Ratachhara area on Wednesday. Fortunately, there have been no reported casualties, but a few individuals, including children, suffered minor injuries.
Coming on the heels of the recent Ulto Rath tragedy, this incident has reignited panic among the locals and sparked resentment against the Power department. The collapse of the tower caused the high-tension wire to fall on the ground, covering a vast area, including a pond, resulting in the unfortunate death of fish. Furthermore, electrical devices in the village were severely affected, leading the villagers to demand compensation for their losses.
According to the local residents, they had repeatedly raised concerns with the Power department about the deteriorating condition of the tower, but unfortunately, no action was taken, culminating in the tower’s collapse. The villagers feel that this could have been prevented if timely measures had been taken to address the decaying state of the structure.
In response to the incident, officials from the Power Corporation swiftly arrived at the spot to assess the situation. During their interaction with the locals, the officials assured them that their demands for compensation would be duly considered. However, this incident has left the community deeply concerned about the safety and maintenance of critical infrastructure.
The collapse of the tower not only poses a threat to human safety but also resulted in ecological and economic repercussions. The loss of fish in the pond and the widespread impact on electrical devices in the area have added to the frustration of the affected villagers.
In the aftermath of this unfortunate event, the Power department must take immediate action to investigate the cause of the collapse and address any lapses in their maintenance and monitoring procedures. Timely maintenance of electric towers and transmission lines is crucial to prevent such incidents and ensure the safety of the public.
Furthermore, the Power department should demonstrate greater responsiveness to the concerns raised by local communities regarding infrastructure integrity. Proactive measures and regular inspections can help identify potential issues before they escalate into disasters.
The collapse of the electric tower in Tripura has raised serious questions about the state of critical infrastructure and the responsiveness of relevant authorities. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilant monitoring and timely maintenance to avert potential disasters. As the affected villagers seek compensation for their losses, it is crucial for the Power department to address their grievances and take steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.