Team Goemkarponn
BICHOLIM: A lineman helper with the Electricity Department died after suffering an electric shock while carrying out tree-trimming work at the Asnoda Water Treatment Plant, triggering questions over workplace safety and prompting demands for stricter protection measures for frontline power workers.
The deceased, Manthan Aroskar, a resident of Maulingem in Bicholim taluka, was reportedly trimming overgrown trees inside the plant premises when the metal cutter he was using came into contact with a live power line. He was rushed for medical treatment but was declared dead.
Police have launched an investigation into the incident to ascertain the exact circumstances that led to the fatal accident.
The tragedy has drawn criticism over the safety standards followed during maintenance work. Local resident Sachin Mayekar alleged that the Electricity Department has repeatedly failed to prioritise the safety of linemen and lineman helpers despite previous fatal accidents.
Referring to the earlier electrocution death of Manoj Zambaulikar from Bicholim taluka, Mayekar claimed the department had not taken adequate corrective measures to prevent similar incidents. He questioned why greater emphasis was being placed on projects such as smart meters and tenders instead of strengthening safety measures for workers engaged in hazardous field operations.
Mayekar urged the authorities to immediately review existing safety protocols, ensure the use of proper protective equipment, and enforce stricter on-site safety procedures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
