MCC installs 1,200 ELCBs on streetlights to prevent deaths due to snapping of overhead power lines

Mangaluru City Corporation installs ELCBs on streetlights to prevent electrocution, compensates victims' families, and addresses educational adoption concerns.

To prevent electrocution due to the snapping of overhead power supply lines of streetlights in the city, the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) has installed 1,200 Earthing Leakage Circuit Breakers (ELCBs) on street lights, according to the Commissioner of the corporation C.L. Anand.

During the quarterly Karnataka Development Programme Review Committee meeting chaired by Dakshina Kannada District in charge Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao on Monday, while Mr. Anand was unable to tell the exact cost of a ELCB, an official from the Mangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (MESCOM) put it at ₹ 1,600.

The MCC has paid a compensation of ₹10 lakh to each of the families of the three victims of electrocution, Mr. Anand said adding that in addition MESCOM paid ₹5 lakh as compensation to each family.

In the previous KDP meeting, it was pointed out that the absence of ELCB was the reason for the electrocution of two autorickshaw drivers near Rosario school in Mangaluru, and a woman, who died similarly in Shibaje village in Dharmasthala, in June. Deputy Commissioner of Dakshina Kannada M.P. Muhilan had then directed MESCOM to install ELCBs on all streetlights in the district, which will arrest the flow of power in the electricity line once it gets snapped. The MESCOM was asked to make use of ₹17 crore of disaster relief funds for the purpose.

Submitting about the action that has been taken during the KDP meeting on Monday, the MESCOM official said it is the responsibility of gram panchayats and urban local bodies to install ELCBs and electric meters on street lights.

MLC S.L. Bhoje Gowda said the adoption of a government school in Daddalkadu in Bantwal by Durga Charitable Trust for five years ended in July 2024. This adoption of the government school was claimed by the government as a successful one as student enrolment increased to 1,200. The trust was paying salaries to 80 teachers and it had made good investment in improving the school’s infrastructure. In light of the allegation of financial misappropriation, a committee headed by the Joint Director of Education Department has submitted a report to the Commissioner for Public Instruction. The application from the trust for renewal of the adoption scheme has been kept pending. “Such actions by the government will discourage organisations from coming forward for adoption,” Mr. Gowda said.

Mr. Gundu Rao said he will speak with Commissioner of Public Instruction on the issue.