- By Akansha Pandey
- Tue, 07 Oct 2025 04:00 PM (IST)
- Source:Jagran News Network
Despite official claims of developing Hapur into a smart city and an investment of Rs 171 crore into the Power Corporation's systems, the on-ground reality reveals a dangerously neglected electricity infrastructure. Even in municipally approved colonies, the power systems are in a state of disrepair, forcing residents to resort to hazardous, makeshift solutions to prevent accidents.
On Eidgah Road, a well-established area of the city, numerous iron electricity poles have corroded at their bases, creating a significant threat. Frustrated by official inaction despite dozens of complaints to various authorities—from the Chief Development Officer (CDO) and Municipal Executive Officer (EO) to the Executive Engineer (XEN) and Superintending Engineer (SE)—residents have been forced to take matters into their own hands.
A recent ground report highlighted several alarming situations:
Scene 1: Propped Up with Sticks
A completely corroded pole carrying both an ABC cable and bare wires fell onto a house's railing, causing it to become electrified. After the power was cut, residents propped the unstable pole against a wall with sticks. Four months later, it has not been replaced.
Scene 2: Tied to an Adjacent Pole
Another iron pole, corroded at its base and unable to support the weight of the power line, was on the verge of collapsing. To prevent this, residents tied it with wires to a nearby concrete pole, leaving it in a precarious, wobbly state.
Scene 3: Supported by a Cement-Filled Pipe
To support a pole that had corroded several feet up from its base, residents fitted a plastic pipe around the bottom and filled it with cement. While this provides temporary stability, the pole sways in a light breeze and could collapse at any time.
Scene 4: Reinforced with Concrete
Residents constructed a thick Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) collar around the base of another swaying, corroded pole. This has reduced its movement, but the pole remains structurally weak and at risk of falling in strong winds.
Scene 5: Supply via Makeshift Poles
In parts of the Eidgah colony, the Power Corporation has failed to install proper electricity poles. Consequently, residents have been forced to run power cables over makeshift bamboo and wooden poles, creating a constant risk of a major accident.
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In response to these findings, Superintending Engineer SK Agarwal stated, "We are carrying out system improvements under several schemes. Dilapidated poles and lines are being replaced. I have no information about the decrepit poles in the Eidgah colony. This will be investigated and new poles will be installed as a priority."