As per the guidelines issued by the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom) on Ganesha Chaturthi celebrations on September 4, such activities have also energy utility firms warning the event organizers about the need to ensure all lighting systems are well insulated from any electric poles.
The guidelines say that these shamiyanas or tents should not be used for extension over electric wires, poles or transformer stations. “When Ganesha’s procession is on, be careful while passing under overhead electric supply wires. Do not try to touch, lift or pull the power supply cables. Inform sub-divisional officers about the route of the procession beforehand so that appropriate help can be rendered. Whenever a live wire is visible or spark occurs inform the authorities on 1912 and indicate near electric devices ‘Danger zone’ during Ganesha’s Pandal Sampathi,” state the guidelines.
The organizers will be required to oversee the relevant sub-divisional officers and ensure a temporary power supply is connected to the pandals. The NOC which is necessary before making a request for temporary connection for the pandals must be obtained from all relevant agencies such the bruising Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), Bangalore Development Authority (BDA), Gram Panchayat (GP), and the police station.
After securing the NOC and submitting it to the Bescom office, the fire officer along with the Assistant Executive Engineer or the Assistant Engineers will visit the place of Girra and Pirra installation during the festival of Ganesha Chaturthi for inspection and permission to the organisers will be granted. The organisers must then engage the services of a licensed electrical contractor who shall provide a wiring completion report certifying the safety of the wiring, the installed MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker), and EIA (Earthing Inspection and Approval). It is only after this that the authority will proceed to visit the site and provide power connectivity to the premises.
“Even as the public participates in the festivities, safety remains of attendant importance. To make the Ganesha festival jubilant, Bescom will also help in providing the lighting arrangement. People need to think about safe practices when erecting and removing the idol during public functions to avoid any electrical hazards,” said Mahantesh Bilagi Managing Director, Bescom.
