Electrocution deaths, road mishaps put spotlight on Hyderabad’s civic lapses

Recent tragic mishaps in Hyderabad, including electrocution deaths during a chariot procession and a Ganesha idol accident, have renewed concerns over civic safety. Citizens and activists blame poor coordination, faulty infrastructure, and lapses by GHMC, electricity, and police departments

Hyderabad: A series of recent tragic incidents in the city — including the electrocution deaths during the Sri Krishnashtami chariot procession at Ramanthapur and the Bandlaguda mishap where a tractor carrying a Ganesha idol came into contact with high-tension wires — have brought the spotlight back on public safety and civic infrastructure.

These accidents, coupled with frequent road mishaps, have raised serious concerns about the accountability and preparedness of civic and line departments.

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Citizens, along with road safety and human rights activists, have expressed anguish over the recurring loss of lives due to preventable causes. They point out that faulty power line management, inadequate coordination during religious processions, and poor road safety measures continue to put the public at risk.

While the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) is tasked with ensuring road safety and maintaining civic infrastructure, electricity authorities are responsible for the proper upkeep and clearance of high-tension lines. Similarly, the police and traffic departments are expected to regulate processions, monitor accident-prone zones, and coordinate with organizers. However, the recent incidents have revealed glaring lapses and a lack of inter-departmental coordination.

Activists and citizens believe that periodic joint inspections, strict enforcement of regulations, and advance planning with local communities are essential to prevent such tragedies. They also stress the need for investment in safer road engineering, underground cabling of power lines in sensitive areas, and strict monitoring of event permissions.

With the festival season underway, the demand for immediate corrective measures has grown louder. Citizens emphasize that it is the collective responsibility of all departments — primarily GHMC, electricity, police, transport, and revenue — to safeguard lives and ensure that the city’s growth does not come at the cost of public safety.