MSEDCL Appeals for Caution Around Electrical Equipment During Kite Festival

Pune, 13th January 2025: With the Kite Festival being celebrated on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, Mahavitaran or the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has issued a public appeal urging citizens to exercise caution around high and low voltage power lines, transformers, feeder pillars, and other electrical equipment in public spaces. The electricity distribution company has warned against attempting to retrieve kites or manjas stuck in electrical installations, as such actions can lead to severe accidents, including electrocution.

Mahavitaran highlighted that in both urban and rural areas, power lines, transformers, and feeder pillars are often located in public places. During the festival, kites and manjas frequently get entangled in these electrical systems. Citizens, particularly children, have been advised not to use iron rods, sticks, or any other tools to dislodge kites from these installations, as this could result in accidental contact with live wires or electrical systems, leading to serious injuries or fatalities.

The company emphasized that kites with metallic coatings pose additional risks, as they can cause short circuits in power lines, interrupt electricity supply, and even lead to life-threatening situations due to electric shocks.

To ensure a safe celebration, MSEDCL has urged citizens to fly kites in open spaces away from electrical infrastructure. Parents are encouraged to remain vigilant and guide children on safe kite-flying practices. The company reiterated that under no circumstances should anyone attempt to retrieve objects stuck in electrical equipment.

For emergencies or assistance, MSEDCL’s 24-hour toll-free helplines – 1912, 18002123435, and 18002333435 – are available for immediate support.