Ruptured underground power cable poses threat to tribespeople in Edamalakkudy

A ruptured underground power cable is posing threat to the tribespeople of Edamalakkudy panchayat in Idukki. According to local people, the soil over the underground power cable on the Pettimudy-Societykudy road got washed away in the heavy rain, leaving the cable exposed and it was ruptured by vehicles plying on the road.

Sarath, a resident of Edamalakkudy, raised alarm over the situation as the Pettimudy-Societykudy road is frequently used by vehicles and pedestrian. “The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has yet to repair the ruptured power cable. The settlements frequently experience power disruptions. When the power supply resumes through the line, strange noises can be heard near the faulty part,” he said.

The KSEB authorities have not yet visited the village or taken any initiative to address the issue, according to the tribespeople.

Unavailable for comments

The KSEB officials were unavailable for comments.

The power disruption is also affecting the mobile connectivity in the area, according to the local people.

The KSEB had installed the 13.5 km-long underground cable through the forest from Pettimudy to Societykudy, where the panchayat office is situated. The power connection was distributed to four settlements in 2017-Edaliparakudy, Shedukudy, Nadukkudy, and Societykudy.

According to sources, the poor condition of the road is a major reason for damaging the power cables. The construction of the 7 km-road connecting Pettimudy to Societykudy is completed only till Keppakkad, nearly 5 km. Edamalakkudy is the first tribal panchayat in the State.