'Illegal structures posing hurdle in smooth supply of power'

Delhi Government's Department of Power today appealed to the citizens to remove unauthorised structures under high-voltage transmission lines for safety and smooth supply of electricity.
"Unauthorised structures are creating problem in smooth transmission of power in Delhi. Despite having sufficient power, the people have to suffer long power cuts because of tripping of electricity lines which occur due to unauthorised structures and other encroachments in the vicinity of the transmission lines," said Arun Goyal, Chairman and Managing Director of Delhi Transco Limited.
Goyal said, during summer, transmission wires elongate and sag downward due to the power load and high temperature. If any unauthorised structure is constructed below them, the lines come in contact with the structures and trip.

As per the Central Electricity Authority (measures relating to safety & electricity supply) Regulation 2010, no building should be constructed under the existing lines.
Most of the transmission lines of Delhi Transco Ltd. Was laid long ago, duly following the law. The ownership of the land under and around the transmission lines is not with Delhi Transco Limited, Goyal said.
These lands mainly belong to the respective land owning agencies. Over the years, people have encroached upon and built their houses and other structures just beneath the lines. It is not only an obstacle in smooth transmission of power but is also hazardous for the people living there.

Delhi Transco Ltd. Has issued notices to around 10,000 people who have constructed buildings or structures under its lines, and has also taken up the issue with the land owning agencies to clear the areas.
"Transmission lines wheel bulk power from generating sources to the substations, hence needs to be kept free from all obstacles for smooth and efficient transmission as well as for maintenance of the lines," Goyal added.