BSES issues I-Day advisory on flying kites near city power units

New Delhi, Aug 9 (IANS) In view of the mass kite flying tradition on Independence Day in the national capital, Delhi electricity distribution company (discom) BSES issued an advisory on Friday cautioning people against flying kites near electrical installations as metal-coated kite strings can cause trippings and electrocutions.

In an "Independence Day advisory", BSES said the widespread use of metal coated "manjha", or kite string, "poses a great danger not only to the person flying the kite, but may also disrupt electricity supply. Each year, there are several instances on this count."

"Even though disrupting power supply and causing damage to power equipment is punishable under the Electricity Act and the Delhi Police Act, there seems to be little consideration shown for the law as well as power supply," the advisory said.

Noting that tripping of a single 33/66 KV line can disrupt power supply to over 10,000 consumers, BSES said there are several instances of kite-flying related disruptions every year.

"Last year, there were 12 instances of kite flying-related trappings in BSES areas," the discom said.

"Elders and parents are requested to inform and counsel children not to enter prohibited/barricaded electrical installations to retrieve kites because life is more precious than a kite of a few rupees. Any carelessness can lead to a major power failure, blackout and even electrocutions," it added.

In case of any emergency, the BSES said, apart from the 24x7 call centre numbers, consumers are can reach BSES through its emergency numbers (BRPL - 1800 10 39707, BYPL - 41999808) or through its mobile app.

As part of its multi-pronged campaign, including over social media, to sensitise consumers about the perils of flying kites near electricity installations, BSES has produced a 3-minute film on precautions to take while flying kites.