VIJAYAWADA: The Andhra Pradesh Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (SPDCL) has decided to issue notices to people who have encroached lands and constructed houses under high-tension (HT) lines in the city limits.

Officials are appalled to see that one resident has attempted to construct a second storey on his house built right under the 33KV line at Singhnagar.

Divisional Electrical Engineer T. Ram Singh says that residents are not bothered to realise the dangers involved in constructing houses under HT lines. As per rules, no human habitation should be allowed within four feet on either side of HT lines. Stringent action will be taken against those found encroaching lands under these lines.

The decision is taken in the wake of recent protest by residents of Singhnagar area demanding that HT line passing over their houses be shifted to non-residential areas to avoid danger to people's lives.

The SPDCL has promptly reacted on their demand and sanctioned Rs. 4 lakhs for removing the existing one-km-long HT line passing over Singhnagar. A new 33KV line is being laid for a length of 1.8 km along the railway track from Gunadala to Milk Project. This is expected to solve the people's problems on a permanent basis. Erection of poles is under progress and it will be over by July 20.

Officials say that the HT line passing over Singhnagar has been there for over 40 years, but people have begun slowly constructing houses under it.

Unfortunately, they have got pattas from revenue authorities and have got a right to demand shifting of the entire line itself. It involves a great deal of effort and also requires funds, which the company is not in a position to afford.

Alternative line

Electricity officials have also identified another HT line from Ibrahimpatnam to Bhavanipuram for shifting away from residential localities.

An alternative line for a length of 1.2 km has been sanctioned at a cost of Rs. 6 lakhs.

There has been a hue and cry over the Singhnagar HT line, with the local people holding a protest demonstration recently. SPDCL Superintending Engineer P. Anjaiah has visited the area along with other officials and sanctioned the new line after taking a look at the habitations that have come up there.

To avoid these problems in future, they have decided that early action will be initiated if construction of houses is taken up under any electricity line.

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