As Makar Sankranti celebrations draw near and colourful kites begin dotting Nagpur’s skyline, the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has issued a strong safety advisory, cautioning citizens against practices that could lead to serious or even fatal accidents.
Referring to a recurring rise in electrocution incidents during the kite-flying season, MSEDCL, in coordination with social organisations, has urged people to celebrate responsibly and remain alert to electrical hazards.
Nylon Manja Poses Serious Threat
Officials warned that the use of nylon or Chinese manja remains one of the biggest dangers during the festival. Often coated with metallic particles, such manja conducts electricity efficiently. If it comes in contact with high-tension power lines, the person holding the string risks receiving a severe electric shock, which can prove fatal.
Avoid Kite Flying Near Power Infrastructure
With urban areas crisscrossed by overhead power lines, the risk of accidents increases significantly. Kites frequently get entangled in electric wires, and attempts to retrieve them using iron rods, wet bamboo or wooden sticks can trigger short circuits and serious mishaps. MSEDCL has specifically cautioned citizens against flying kites near distribution poles and transformers, where sparking or explosions could cause severe injuries.
Power Supply Disruptions a Major Concern
Kite strings caught in power lines often lead to tripping, resulting in electricity supply disruptions across entire neighbourhoods. Repair work in such situations also places power distribution staff at considerable risk. MSEDCL appealed to citizens to ensure that festive celebrations do not lead to inconvenience, darkness or danger for others.
Safety Guidelines Issued by MSEDCL
To prevent accidents, MSEDCL has advised citizens to:
- Fly kites only in open grounds or safe terraces, away from power lines, poles and transformers.
- Use only cotton thread (ordinary manja) and strictly avoid nylon, plastic or metal-coated manja.
- Leave kites stuck in electric wires untouched and avoid retrieving them using wet objects or wires.
- Ensure close supervision of children and prevent them from running onto roads or under power lines while chasing kites.
Issuing a social appeal, MSEDCL stated, “Kite flying is a festival of joy, but safety should never be compromised. Ensure that the manja given to children does not come into contact with electricity. No one should attempt to remove kites stuck on electric wires.”
The advisory was issued by the Deputy Chief Public Relations Officer of MSEDCL, Nagpur, urging citizens to celebrate Makar Sankranti in a safe, responsible and accident-free manner.
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