High-tension power cables across Vembanad to be replaced with covered conductors

Kottayam: The Kerala State Electricity Board is replacing 11 kV high-tension power cables across the Vembanad Lake with safe, covered conductors to prevent accidents due to low-lying cables

The covered conductors will be installed in the areas between Thiruvaykkari and F-Block, in Kottayam district, and C-Block, Rani, Chithira and Marthandam, in Alappuzha district. These places fall under the Kottayam Puncha electrical division.

The project proposes to ensure safe journeys in the backwater region and make transportation of goods smooth. An expenditure of ₹22.98 lakh will be incurred for the works, which are being carried out under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS). The cables for the work arrived a few days ago.

The authorities had earlier replaced the old wooden electric posts across the lake with A-Type posts having a height of 14 m. Currently, accidents take place in the lake when houseboats and poles used to steer canoes come into contact with low-lying power cables. With the installation of the covered conductors, the power cables will stay at a safe height, and accidents will not occur even when the water level of the lake rises.

“We are implementing the project on a war footing and are planning to complete it this month itself, considering the launch of the ‘Puncha’ crop in the area,” said an official.