Hyderabad: Hyderabad sees a spate of electrical accidents that have claimed eleven lives in recent days in connection with the Ganesh pandal installation under GHMC limits.

First is the death of two men due to electrocution under Hussaini Alam police station limits, while they were shifting a 22-foot Ganesh idol from Jalpally to Hussaini Alam, after the trolley carrying the massive idol reportedly came into contact with an overhead power line. The incident occurred around 1 AM near Royal Sea Hotel in Hussaini Alam. A 22-foot Ganesh idol, transported from Lakshmiguda, Jalpally, was being taken for installation in Chandrika Puram of Hussaini Alam police station limits. The two individuals, identified as Toli and Vikas, fell from the vehicle and suffered fatal injuries and died.

The Commissioner specifically referenced the Bandlaguda incident, explaining how tall idols with metal components pose significant dangers when brought near electrical lines. "Tall idols, especially those with metal wires at the top, if they get too close to electric wires, the power may jump from the line to the idol, causing these accidents," he warned.

Another electrical accident in Lothkunta, Trimulgherry police station shared byHyderabad police Chief CV Anand. It can be seen in the CCTV footage that while two people were installing an iron pandal due to electrocution, two people fell from the half-built pandal. Sharing the same, CV Anand said, "The CCTV footage is disturbing and posted here only for educational purposes. I appeal to everyone to take all precautions and not be in a hurry."

The Hyderabad police chief even shared some videos of tragic accidents. In a social media post that garnered over 12,400 views, Hyderabad Police Commissioner CV Anand has issued safety warnings to Ganesh pandal organizers following a spate of electrical accidents that claimed eleven lives in recent days across GHMC limits.

Public demands infrastructure overhaul

The safety warnings in social media have sparked broader discussions online about Hyderabad's electrical infrastructure. Twitter user Rohith called for systematic changes, taking to X (formerly Twitter), "Instead of cutting down internet cables, the government should initiate making these electric lines underground. A large-scale project should be taken up. Enough of hanging wires and space-consuming poles on 20-25 ft roads."

Another X user, Sandeep Reddy, highlighted specific local concerns: "Requested the Telangana State Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (TGSPDL) to replace the iron current poles with cement poles before any accident happens. Already requested the concerned but still no use. KMR Estates Road, JVG Hills, Kondapur."

Some of the guidelines shared by CV Anand read, "Water is a conductor of electricity, when a wooden stick is wet, it becomes a conductor too. So do not lift wires with wooden sticks thinking they are safe. Tall idols, especially those with some metal wires at the top, if they get too close to the electric wires, the power may jump from the line to the idol, causing these accidents. The Bandlaguda incident was due to this".

Further, he requested all to spread this word and be extra careful while installing the idols during the festival time and at their residences and workplaces.