Ranchi: In a move to protect infrastructure, Jharkhand Bijli Vitran Nigam Ltd (JBVNL) will install markers on old power cables within a month to protect wires and prevent outages during construction, excavation and cleaning work.The decision was taken at a meeting of JBVNL Ranchi Supply Area Board after two high-tension cables snapped during construction and cleaning activities on Wednesday, causing a major disruption. Officials were directed to survey all old cables in the city within 15 days to assess requirements and plan installation.“Following the survey, a requirement report will be submitted, based on which we will procure cable markers and get them installed within 15 days,” Ranchi Supply Area general manager Manmohan Kumar said.JBVNL is also close to completing GIS and ground-penetrating radar (GPR) mapping of its cable network. The discom will share data within 7 to 10 days with agencies involved in excavation, construction and cleaning work, including GAIL (India) Ltd, Ranchi Municipal Corporation, Jharkhand Urban Infrastructure Development Company Ltd and the drinking water and sanitation department, so they can verify cable locations before starting work.Officials were asked to prepare reports on all cable-cutting cases over the past three years to review legal action. “FIRs were lodged in all previous cases. We will follow up with police regarding the action taken and ensure that all defaulters pay for the damages. If any matter has escalated to court, we will pursue it there as well,” Kumar said.He urged residents planning digging for drains or roads deeper than 2 feet to consult utility departments first. “Underground infrastructure is public property, and damaging it is a punishable offence. Moreover, such disruptions affect vital services and can trigger major accidents,” he said.Although breakers trip when cables are severed, any technical failure could cause accidents or fatalities, he added.
