In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) and Tangedco have joined hands to clean and remove garbage from around more than 1,000 electrical transformers, pillars, and boxes across the city. This collaborative effort is set to begin next week, aiming to ensure the safety of sanitation workers and residents during the upcoming northeast monsoon season.
Sanitation workers have long expressed concerns about the risks associated with cleaning around these electrical components, especially during periods of heavy rainfall. The presence of live electricity creates a significant danger of electric shocks, making it a perilous task. However, these locations cannot be neglected, particularly during the city’s mass-cleaning drive in preparation for the monsoon.
Recognizing the need for a safe and efficient solution, GCC Commissioner J Kumaragurubaran approached the Tangedco chairman last week to discuss a collaboration for the cleaning drive. This led to a coordinated approach, ensuring the safety of both the sanitation workers and the electrical infrastructure.
To address the issue of garbage accumulation around electrical assets, GCC’s north, south, and central regional offices have identified 1,050 transformers, junction boxes, and pillars across all 15 zones. A comprehensive schedule has been developed by Tangedco’s chief engineer and the GCC solid waste management team to ensure the smooth execution of the cleaning process.
To guarantee the safety of the workers involved, each of the 15 zones will have a dedicated nodal officer from TNEB to provide support to GCC’s efforts. Tangedco chairman Rajesh Lakhoni has assured that safety will be paramount during the operation, stating, “We will transfer the power to another transformer when one is being cleaned. This way, residents will not have to face power cuts and corporation workers can clean the transformer without live current going through it.”
The cleaning drive is set to commence next week, and residents are urged to refrain from dumping garbage or debris near electrical transformers. Mahmood Sait, CEO of Urbaser Sumeet, which manages solid waste in GCC zones 9 to 15, emphasized the importance of worker safety, stating, “Workers will be given protective gloves, shoes, and wooden-handled brushes for their safety during the operation.”
This innovative collaboration between GCC and Tangedco is a testament to the city’s commitment to ensuring a safe and clean environment for its residents, especially during the monsoon season. By prioritizing worker safety and addressing the risks associated with cleaning around electrical components, Chennai is setting an example for other cities facing similar challenges.
