Bengaluru Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM) has released new safety guidelines for Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. Festival organisers are advised to contact their local sub-divisional officers to arrange temporary electricity connections. BESCOM has instructed officials to provide quick connections following established norms and coordinate with local authorities.
BESCOM Managing Director Mahantesh Bilagi emphasized the importance of safety, stating, ‘While celebrating, the public should also ensure safety. BESCOM will help with lighting arrangements for the Ganesh festival. It is important to follow safety measures during the installation and removal of the idol at public events to avoid electrical accidents.’
To promote safety, BESCOM has suggested several measures: handle electrical wires with care when setting up pandals and decorations, ensure serial lights are properly insulated, avoid attaching tents or other items to electric poles or transformers, and be cautious of overhead power lines during processions. Organisers are also asked to notify sub-divisional officers about the procession route in advance for assistance. Any live wires or electrical sparks should be reported immediately by calling the 1912 helpline.
For a temporary electricity connection, organisers must first obtain a no objection letter from relevant authorities, such as BBMP, BDA, Grama Panchayat, and the local police. An inspection by an Assistant Executive Engineer or Assistant Engineer will follow. Once approved, organisers need a wiring completion report from a certified electrical contractor confirming safety measures. The connection will be provided once all steps are completed, and the meter must be returned after the festival.
Safety Measures:
– Handle electrical wires with care when setting up pandals, serial lights, and decorations.
– Ensure all wiring is properly insulated.
– Avoid contact with electric poles during installation.
– Do not attach decorations to electrical wires, poles, or transformer stations.
– Be cautious of overhead power lines during processions and avoid lifting them. Inform Sub-Divisional Officers of the procession route for assistance.
– Report any live wires or electrical sparks immediately by calling 1912.
– Clearly mark ‘Danger Zones’ where electrical equipment is installed.
