Shocking! State holds a dubious record in power

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala’s poor record in the matter of road accidents is quite well-documented. But did you know that the state accounted for over ten per cent of the total electrical accidents in the country as well?Lack of proper awareness about safe use of electricity and preference for cheaper - and quite often poor quality - electrical appliances account for much of the mishaps, according to electricity officials.2010-2011 recorded the highest number of electrical mishaps in the state in the past decade. The fiscal witnessed 285 accidents, many of them fatal, a shocking increase from 2009-2010, which saw 251 accidents, according to figures with the State Electrical Inspectorate. This figure includes both domestic and industrial mishaps.While the state is witnessing a spurt in the number of electricity connections, appropriate attention is yet to be given to safety consciousness. Recently, the number of consumers with the Kerala State Electricity Board crossed one crore, which means roughly every third in the state is a KSEB consumer. Also, the past decade has seen a deluge of electrical gadgets hitting the market. This has also resulted in laws and regulations being flouted left and right. On the other hand, there are also accidents linked to KSEB facilities such as those caused by snapped power cables.Ignorance about what to do in an electricity-related emergency also is a handicap, often a fatal one. ‘’I should say there is a serious absence of awareness among the public. Inferior quality appliances, to an extent, are a reason,’’ says Chief Electrical Inspector K K Unni.‘’Electrical gadgets that we used to consider a luxury ten years ago have become quite common nowadays,’’ he pointed out, adding that many of the accidents are similar in nature. He cited the example of three women who were electrocuted in Malappuram district while trying to pluck drumsticks with a long pole which came into contact with an overhead line. KSEB officials say the best way to avoid mishaps at home is by following proper instructions when using electrical appliances and by ensuring that the house, shop or the building in question is properly wired. Periodical inspections also go a long way in preventing mishaps.