Buildings close to high tension lines taboo

by Ananda KANNANGARA

The Power and Energy Ministry yesterday paid special attention on the accidental deaths caused due to the construction of buildings and houses close to high tension power lines.

Referring to the untimely death of a Sabaragamuwa University student who was electrocuted after touching a 33,000 volt high tension power line, Power and Energy Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka warned building constructors to refrain from constructing houses or buildings close to either normal power lines or high tension power lines.

"Several accidental deaths were also reported from many parts of the country when people were trying to obtain illegal power connections," he said.

He said building constructions should be done at least 15 yards (4.5 metres) away from high tension power lines.

Referring to the Sabaragamuwa incident, the Minister said the distance between the students house and the high tension power line was less than one metre.

It is reported that at the time of the incident, the dead student was speaking to a friend over his mobile phone and had climbed to the third storey to get clear signals.

"While speaking he had accidently touched the high tension power line which was running closer to the third floor of the building," he said.

Minister Ranawaka also urge people who have lands where high tension or any other power lines running above not to construct houses or buildings, since power lines could easily fall on buildings during thunder showers.

He also asked residents to be careful when cutting down tree branches that have contacts with power lines.

He also asked children not to install television antennas close proximity to high tension or any other power lines as it badly affects the television sets during thunder storms.