Dilapidated and dangling power lines in residential and commercial areas of Gujjar Khan have once again triggered a major incident of Gujjar Khan Power Lines Fire, causing panic among the local population. A fire that broke out suddenly due to a short circuit in a local market forced shopkeepers and passers-by to run for their lives. This accident has once again exposed the harsh reality of how dilapidated the electricity transmission facilities have become in the small towns of Punjab. Citizens have been petitioning the district administration and the concerned power distribution company for months about these dangerous wires, but no effective action has been taken.

Serious situation of electricity system in Gujjar Khan

In the main streets and commercial centers of the city, electric wires hang so low that even pedestrians are scared. Overloaded transformers and outdated wiring have become a regular problem in the system, which is run under Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO). Whenever there is a strong wind or light rain, the wires collide and start throwing sparks. This time too as soon as the spark came from the faulted line, there was an immediate pandemonium and the shopkeepers helped themselves to secure the goods. Fortunately there were no major casualties, but it was just a coincidence that no passerby was caught.

What steps should you take as a citizen?

If your neighborhood or street also has frayed or low-hanging power lines, you must take the following precautions:

  • Report dangerous or hanging wires in your area immediately to the concerned IESCO Complaints Office with written or photographic evidence.
  • Always keep Rescue 1122 and local emergency numbers in your mobile phone.
  • Avoid touching the outer walls of houses, iron gates and electric poles during rain.
  • Install standard circuit breakers and voltage protectors indoors to protect household appliances from sudden surges.

What is expected next and who is responsible

Such safety lapses have questioned NEPRA regulations and the performance of distribution companies. The business community of Gujjar Khan has warned that if the dilapidated wires are not replaced soon, they will be forced to protest by closing their shops. It has to be seen in the coming days whether the district administration takes notice of this matter or the people will have to face the dangers with your help. The concerned authorities should ensure that this infrastructure is repaired before the monsoon to prevent any major loss of life.