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Power cuts annoy people. But restoring power can cost a life. In Kashmir, PDD linemen climb poles in snow, rain, and darkness. They work with worn tools, weak safety gear, and high risk. Many return home late. Some do not return at all.
A lineman deals with live wires every day. One mistake, one faulty glove, one broken ladder, and the result is fatal. Reports over the years show repeated injuries and deaths among PDD workers in J&K. Most cases point to the same issue. Poor equipment and weak safety systems.
You cannot run a power system on courage alone. You need proper gear.
A basic safety kit for a lineman is not a luxury. It includes insulated gloves, helmets, safety belts, voltage testers, insulated boots, and proper ladders. In many areas, workers still use outdated or damaged tools. Some buy their own gear. Others share equipment. This is not acceptable for a public service department.
Weather in Kashmir makes the job harder. Snow and rain increase the risk of electric shock. Strong winds shake poles. Cold reduces grip and slows reaction time. These conditions demand better protection, not less.
You expect uninterrupted electricity. Hospitals need it. Schools need it. Homes depend on it. When faults occur, linemen respond first. They restore supply in harsh conditions, often at odd hours. Their work keeps daily life running. Yet their safety remains ignored.
You need a clear policy shift. First, provide standard safety kits to every lineman. Not once, but regularly. Equipment wears out. It must be replaced on time. No worker should climb a pole without certified gear.
Second, enforce safety training. Regular drills matter. Workers must know how to handle high voltage lines, emergency shutdowns, and rescue methods. Training should not be a one time formality. It should be continuous.
Third, fix accountability. If a worker gets injured due to lack of equipment, responsibility must be clear. Senior officials should ensure compliance at ground level. Safety audits should happen often, not only after accidents.
Fourth, improve emergency support. Quick medical response can save lives. Equip field teams with first aid kits. Set up a fast response system with nearby hospitals.
Fifth, insure every lineman properly. Compensation after death cannot replace a life, but it can support a family. Insurance coverage should be strong and easy to access.
You also need better staffing. Overworked linemen take more risks. Adequate manpower reduces fatigue and errors.
Technology can help. Use insulated tools, modern fault detection systems, and safer climbing equipment. Other regions have adopted these methods. Kashmir can too.
This is not about budget alone. It is about priority. Money spent on safety is not a cost. It is protection. It prevents loss of life, reduces long term expenses, and builds trust in the system.
Public awareness also matters. People must respect safety zones. Illegal hooking of power lines increases risk for workers. Community support can reduce accidents.
Every time a lineman climbs a pole, he takes a risk for you. He does not ask for praise. He asks for protection.
The administration must act now. Provide proper equipment. Enforce strict safety rules. Monitor implementation on ground. A reliable power system needs safe workers. Their life matters.
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