Tall Palm Trees Planted Under High-Voltage Transmission Line Raise Safety Concerns in PCMC
- Risk of power disruption if obstruction occurs; Santosh Saundankar demands inquiry
Pimpri : The plantation of tall palm trees beneath a high-capacity transmission tower line between the Bijlinagar flyover and Bhakti Shakti flyover has raised serious safety concerns. Maharashtra State Electricity Monitoring Committee Pune district member and Shiv Sena Pune district organiser Santosh Ramakant Saundankar has demanded a thorough inquiry into the matter and action against those responsible.
Saundankar recently submitted a memorandum to the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) Commissioner highlighting the issue. According to the memorandum, a high-capacity transmission tower line of Mahavitaran passes through the stretch between Bijlinagar flyover and Bhakti Shakti flyover. However, tall palm trees have been planted directly beneath the transmission line by the municipal corporation.
He pointed out that as the trees grow taller in the future, they may obstruct the transmission line, posing a potential safety hazard. In such a situation, the power utility may be forced to cut the trees to prevent any disruption to the transmission line.
Saundankar also noted that if the trees planted at considerable public expense are eventually removed, it would lead to a waste of public funds. Moreover, cutting tall trees beneath high-voltage lines could pose the risk of accidents or even loss of life.
He further questioned why tall-growing trees were planted in the area when landscaping guidelines generally recommend low-height plants near transmission lines. Saundankar has demanded an inquiry into whether the plantation was carried out to benefit contractors through the PCMC Garden Department.
“Planting tall palm trees beneath high-capacity transmission lines is extremely dangerous. As the trees grow, they could obstruct the power lines and affect electricity supply, potentially plunging the city into darkness. The matter should be investigated immediately and strict action should be taken against the responsible officials and contractors,” said Santosh Saundankar, Member of the Maharashtra State Electricity Monitoring Committee (Pune District) and Shiv Sena Pune district organiser.
