Residents of Puw Gohain village in Ward No. 5 under Morigaon Municipality are living in constant fear after a transformer was installed directly over a water supply pipeline. Nearly a dozen families in this locality now face hazardous conditions due to what they allege is sheer negligence by the Morigaon Electricity Subdivision.
Local residents have raised serious concerns about their safety, warning that a minor technical fault could lead to devastating consequences. They argue that the installation violates basic safety norms, putting their lives at risk. The controversy has drawn attention to the lack of planning and accountability in infrastructure development in Morigaon.
Villagers Voice Their Concerns
According to residents, the transformer was erected without proper inspection of the site or consideration of its proximity to the pipeline. Locals fear that any leakage or electrical fault could create a dangerous situation, endangering both lives and property.
“We feel unsafe in our own homes. This is a ticking time bomb,” said one villager. Another resident explained that the area experiences frequent waterlogging during the monsoon, which further increases the danger of electrocution.
Families living in Ward No. 5 have also expressed frustration over being ignored despite repeated appeals to authorities. Many villagers allege that their complaints have been met with inaction from the concerned departments.
Accusations Against Electricity Department
Locals have blamed the Morigaon Electricity Subdivision for the unsafe installation. They claim the department carried out the work in haste, without community consultation or proper technical evaluation.
Residents have urged the administration to immediately relocate the transformer to a safer site. They also called for stricter enforcement of safety regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future.
A senior citizen of the village pointed out that transformers are typically placed away from residential areas and public infrastructure like pipelines. “This is negligence at its worst. Authorities must take action before tragedy strikes,” he said.
Growing Safety Concerns
Safety hazards due to faulty infrastructure are a recurring issue in parts of Assam. Experts say poor planning, lack of safety audits, and coordination gaps between departments often lead to such risks.
The situation in Puw Gohain village is a stark reminder of these challenges. Villagers have demanded that officials conduct a thorough investigation into how such a dangerous installation was approved. They also stressed the need for urgent remedial measures to ensure their safety.
Administration Faces Pressure to Act
With outrage building among residents, local civic bodies are under increasing pressure to respond. Activists and community leaders have appealed to the Morigaon district administration to intervene.
Several residents have said they will escalate the matter to higher authorities if their demands are not addressed. Further, they also plan to seek support from local organizations to push for a permanent solution.
The call for accountability has grown louder as families living near the transformer fear for their children’s safety. Furthermore, the area sees heavy foot traffic, adding to the urgency of relocating the equipment.
Broader Implications for Public Safety
The incident highlights the importance of strict compliance with safety regulations in public infrastructure projects. Analysts believe that regular inspections, proper planning, and inter-departmental coordination are crucial to avoid such hazards.
Cases like this also reveal gaps in communication between civic authorities and residents. Experts recommend that public participation. And, awareness campaigns should be prioritized to prevent similar problems in the future.
Residents Demand Swift Relocation
The villagers’ primary demand is the immediate relocation of the transformer. They insist that their concerns should not be ignored any longer.
“Officials must come and see how we are living. It’s like sitting on a time bomb,” a resident said. Many families fear that continued neglect could lead to an avoidable tragedy.
Moreover, residents have appealed to the Assam government to step in, emphasizing that safety should be prioritized over administrative convenience. Although, they also urged the electricity department to conduct thorough audits of all installations across Morigaon to ensure no other area faces similar risks.
The transformer installation over a water pipeline in Morigaon’s Puw Gohain village is a glaring example of negligence that has put lives at stake. However, residents are calling for urgent relocation, safety audits, and stronger accountability from authorities.
With public pressure mounting, the administration must act swiftly to resolve the crisis. Ensuring safety in infrastructure projects is essential to prevent such hazards and rebuild trust with the community.
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