Photo credit: dipa.co.in MUMBAI/NEW DELHI: Raising concerns over recurring electrical accidents, fires and electrocutions across the country, former power sector regulator D Radhakrishna has urged the Centre to introduce sweeping electrical safety reforms, arguing that stronger oversight is essential to protect consumers and prevent avoidable tragedies.In a letter dated June 9 to NITI Aayog member Prof Abhay Karandikar, Radhakrishna said electrical safety remains one of the most neglected yet critical areas of India’s power sector. He linked his concerns to a 1984 circuit-breaker blast at a power generation facility that reportedly claimed nearly 20 lives, including colleagues, an experience he said underscored the consequences of weak safety systems.For ordinary consumers, the issue goes beyond statistics. Transformer blasts, short-circuit fires and electrocution incidents continue to affect homes, residential complexes and public spaces, he noted, adding that rapid urbanisation, high-rise development and rising electricity consumption have increased risks.Among the measures proposed are independent electrical safety certification, mandatory periodic safety audits for residential complexes, hospitals, schools, malls and high-rise buildings, stricter enforcement of safety regulations, and creation of a national authority dedicated to electrical safety oversight and accident investigation.The former regulator also suggested capacity-building programmes for electricians and maintenance personnel, along with stronger compensation mechanisms for victims of electrical accidents and fires.The letter additionally recommends examining a longer tariff framework for certain long-life power infrastructure projects, arguing that it could improve affordability while creating financial room for maintenance and safety compliance.Radhakrishna urged the government to consider a high-level committee comprising technical institutions, regulators and industry experts to study the proposals, saying safety and affordability must remain the twin pillars of future power-sector reforms.Read the latest news on the go. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorChittaranjan TembhekarA journalist with nearly 30 years of experience, Chittaranjan has been writing in-depth impactful news stories on infrastructure, environment, energy, liquor, tourism, mobility, ports, hospitality, telecom and petroleum besides covering administrative, political, legislative and policy-related issues at the state and central government levels.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosTMC Faces Fresh Rebellion As MPs Cozy Up To NDA, Shatrughan Sinha’s Silence Raises QuestionsDelhi Races Against Monsoon: 70% Drain Desilting Completed, June 15 Deadline SetFlying Could Cost More As Government-Backed ATF Price Hike Raises Airline Operating CostsIndus Waters Treaty In Abeyance: Centre Says Pakistan Won’t Get ‘A Single Drop’ Of WaterMamata Banerjee’s Rare Meeting With Sonia Gandhi Sparks Speculation Of Opposition RealignmentIndia’s Nuclear Posture Shifts As SIPRI Flags Deployment Of 12 Warheads | WatchCongress Alleges EC Blocked Delegation Amid Meenakshi Natarajan Rajya Sabha Nomination Row | WatchCongress Candidate Meenakshi Natarajan’s Rajya Sabha Nomination Rejected In MPCID Searches TMC Offices In Kolkata As Abhishek Faces Third Summons In Signature Forgery ProbeHorse-Trading Fears Trigger Congress Move As MP MLAs Fly To Bengaluru Before Voting123PhotostoriesThis day, that year: From Bonnie and Clyde’s devastating crash to Spirit Rover’s Mars journey — How June 10 shaped the worldHanging baskets turning thin: 7 Smart care tips to keep them overflowing with flowersThe best places to retire in India: Affordable, peaceful, and senior-friendlyKangana Ranaut channels her inner Marathi mulgi in a stunning Paithani sareeHeatwave intensifying every year: 6 effective home cooling elements that help reduce indoor heat without heavy AC useDiscover the best temple for wish fulfillment according to your birth date10 baby names that feel cool, creative, and effortlessly trendyThe ancient origins and history of Payal: How anklets became a symbol of Indian traditionFrom growing up amid curfews in Kashmir to earning Rs 2.5 lakh a day: When Aly Goni spoke about his struggles and journey in TV IndustryThis bridge in New York once hosted 21 elephants; 5 interesting things to know123Hot PicksSourth Africa ShootingBharathirajaDelhi hotel fireAshok MuralidaranFIFA World Cup ScheduleKarnataka Trader NewsHector PennKerala Plus One ResultTNEA Random NumberTop TrendingBAN vs AUS Live ScoreUS Iran warGold Rate TodayFIFA World Cup 2026Delhi Hotel FireChennai TNSTC BusMeerut Conversion CaseBareilly NewsFilmmaker Bharathiraja DeathKarnataka Murder
MUMBAI/NEW DELHI: Raising concerns over recurring electrical accidents, fires and electrocutions across the country, former power sector regulator D Radhakrishna has urged the Centre to introduce sweeping electrical safety reforms, arguing that stronger oversight is essential to protect consumers and prevent avoidable tragedies.In a letter dated June 9 to NITI Aayog member Prof Abhay Karandikar, Radhakrishna said electrical safety remains one of the most neglected yet critical areas of India’s power sector. He linked his concerns to a 1984 circuit-breaker blast at a power generation facility that reportedly claimed nearly 20 lives, including colleagues, an experience he said underscored the consequences of weak safety systems.For ordinary consumers, the issue goes beyond statistics. Transformer blasts, short-circuit fires and electrocution incidents continue to affect homes, residential complexes and public spaces, he noted, adding that rapid urbanisation, high-rise development and rising electricity consumption have increased risks.Among the measures proposed are independent electrical safety certification, mandatory periodic safety audits for residential complexes, hospitals, schools, malls and high-rise buildings, stricter enforcement of safety regulations, and creation of a national authority dedicated to electrical safety oversight and accident investigation.The former regulator also suggested capacity-building programmes for electricians and maintenance personnel, along with stronger compensation mechanisms for victims of electrical accidents and fires.The letter additionally recommends examining a longer tariff framework for certain long-life power infrastructure projects, arguing that it could improve affordability while creating financial room for maintenance and safety compliance.Radhakrishna urged the government to consider a high-level committee comprising technical institutions, regulators and industry experts to study the proposals, saying safety and affordability must remain the twin pillars of future power-sector reforms.
