New Delhi: As the national capital gears up for Independence Day celebrations, Tata Power-DDL has urged citizens to exercise extreme caution while flying kites and maintain a safe distance from overhead power lines, electrical poles and other installations.

Kite flying is a cherished tradition associated with Independence Day celebrations in Delhi. However, flying kites near electrical infrastructure can pose serious safety risks, including electric shocks, injuries, damage to power lines and disruption of electricity supply.

Tata Power-DDL supplies electricity to around 9 million people across North and North-West Delhi. The company has appealed to consumers to avoid flying kites near electrical installations and overhead power lines to prevent accidents and power disruptions.

Metal-Coated Manjha Poses Serious Risk

According to Tata Power-DDL, metal-coated kite string, commonly known as manjha, can come into contact with power lines and cause lines to trip, break or become damaged. Since metallic manjha can conduct electricity, its contact with live power lines can result in serious electrical accidents and electric shocks.

Damage to high-voltage power lines can also disrupt electricity supply across large areas, affecting thousands of consumers.

In view of these risks and in accordance with government regulations, Tata Power-DDL has advised citizens to use cotton kite string or other natural-fibre alternatives instead of metal-coated manjha.

The company has also urged people not to use glass-coated or “Chinese manjha”, which is extremely sharp and can cause serious injuries to two-wheeler riders and birds that come into contact with it.

Awareness Campaigns Across Delhi

As part of its public safety awareness campaign, Tata Power-DDL has intensified outreach activities and plans to organise mega rallies in JJ clusters and resettlement colonies.

The company’s Social Impact Group (SIG), through its network of around 1,000 ABHA members, is working to raise awareness about electrical safety among local communities.

The discom has also installed banners at its electrical installations and selected public places carrying safe kite-flying advisories. These initiatives aim to educate consumers about the importance of safety while enjoying the traditional activity.

Tata Power-DDL has partnered with FM radio channels and launched a dedicated social media series, along with video advisories on electrical safety. The company is also conducting special awareness sessions in government and private schools across its operational areas to educate students about the potential hazards associated with kite flying and the precautions they should follow.

High-Risk Areas Being Monitored

Using advanced geospatial technologies available through its Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS), Tata Power-DDL analyses past trends of service disruptions and identifies areas that may be particularly vulnerable to kite-flying-related power interruptions.

These include Jahangirpuri, Mangolpuri, Sultanpuri, Kirari, Bhalaswa, Burari, Badli, Karala, Wazirpur and Bawana, among other areas.

‘Celebrate Responsibly and Keep Kites Away from Power Lines’

Sharing a message on safe kite flying, Raj Kumar Rastogi, Chief – Operations and Safety, Tata Power-DDL, said that Independence Day is a time for celebration and togetherness, with kite flying remaining one of the festival’s cherished traditions.

He urged citizens to enjoy the festivities responsibly by keeping kites away from overhead power lines and electrical installations. He said that flying kites near electrical infrastructure could lead to power disruptions and pose serious risks of electric shock and injuries.

He emphasised that following basic safety precautions can help ensure a safe and joyful Independence Day celebration while upholding the true spirit of the national festival.

Safety Guidelines for Kite Flying

Tata Power-DDL has advised citizens to follow these precautions:

• Choose open areas away from overhead power lines and electrical installations for kite flying.
• Do not use metal-coated kite string or manjha, as it can damage power lines and cause serious electrical accidents.
• Never attempt to retrieve a kite stuck on a power line.
• Educate children about safe kite-flying practices and supervise them while they are flying kites whenever possible.
• In case of an electrical emergency or to report an unsafe situation or untoward incident related to the electrical network, contact Tata Power-DDL’s toll-free number 19124.
• Follow Tata Power-DDL’s social media platforms for additional kite-flying safety tips.

As a responsible power utility, Tata Power-DDL remains committed to the safety and well-being of its consumers. Ahead of Independence Day, the company is strengthening its awareness initiatives and encouraging citizens to celebrate responsibly while maintaining a safe distance from electrical installations and overhead power lines.