OREANDA-NEWS. Tata Power, one of India's largest integrated power companies, has been undertaking numerous initiatives to spread awareness on safety not only at the workplace, but also for the community. In yet another initiative, as an integral part of its 'Jan Jagruti Abhiyaan' programme, Tata Power organised a session to educate the cable operator community.

The objective of the initiative was to increase safety awareness and educate on the methods to mitigate the risk of injuries amongst the people and technicians who reside around high-voltage transmission lines. Tata Power's transmission lines division is committed to maintaining the overhead network lines for optimum functioning. A major concern faced by the company is the tripping of EHV lines due to human interference such as throwing cables, supply wires, raising of unauthorised constructions, kite flying in the vicinity and other unauthorised activities.

More than 40 technicians and operators attended the session where a short film was screened on the Jan Jagruti Abhiyan initiatives. An entertaining street play was put up by volunteers who further stressed on the importance of safety.

Speaking on the success of the initiative, VK Chourey, head, transmission, Mumbai operations, Tata Power, said, “At Tata Power we are not only concerned about our employee safety and well-being but also of the community at large. This initiative is aimed at ensuring the well-being of citizens by educating them on electrical safety measures to be taken around transmission lines.”

Added S Padmanabhan, executive director, operations, “We are glad to receive such an overwhelming response for both the activities and will continue with these awareness drives to spread the safety messages concerning the transmission lines.”

Tata Power conducted an awareness session in order to educate the nearby residents as well as to minimise damage to property of citizens. Tata Power also conducted a laser project, 'Ghar Ghar Mein', under the Jan Jagruti Abhiyan programme at all locations of transmission divisions during the Sankranti festival. Volunteers from different divisions visited private schools and classes where kite flying is very prevalent and sensitised more than 9,100 people over 65 sessions on the danger of flying kites near transmission lines. Various activities were planned such as street plays, jingles via radio channels (Red FM and Radiocity) and print advertisements in the newspaper to inform the locals about the initiative. Tata colony residents from Borivli, Salsette and Dharavi areas also participated in the programme.

Jan Jagruti Abhiyaan is aimed at increasing awareness among citizens regarding the hazards of carrying out unauthorised activities in the vicinity of high-tension lines. These sessions include a presentation and a short film on the hazards of unauthorised construction of structures, flying kites, TV cable stringing, drying clothes, etc in the vicinity of high-tension lines and dos and don'ts to avoid any related hazards. In addition to this, Tata Power organises a special safety awareness programme (street plays with the help of NGOs) in the vicinity of high-tension lines under its Jan Jagruti Abhiyaan initiative. The objective is to spread the message among as many citizens as possible, to reduce the electrical accidents that can be caused while living in areas which are close to high-voltage transmission lines.