Bengaluru: BESCOM issues new safety guidelines for Ganesh Chaturthi organisers

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], September 4: BESCOM, Bengaluru Electricity Supply Company Limited, has issued new guidelines for Ganesh Chaturthi festival organisers to ensure safety and proper electricity usage during the celebrations.
Organisers have been advised to contact their local sub-divisional officers to arrange temporary electricity connections for the festival. According to BESCOM, "Sub-divisional authorities have been directed to provide immediate electricity connections by the established norms, ensuring prompt coordination with local authority officials."
BESCOM Managing Director Mahantesh Bilagi speaking about the importance of safety, said, "While celebrating the festival, the public must also prioritise safety. BESCOM will assist with the lighting system for the Ganesh festival. It is crucial to adhere to safety measures during the installation and dismantling of the idol at public events to prevent any electrical accidents."
To ensure safety, BESCOM has outlined several measures: "When setting up pandals, serial lights, and other decorations, handle electrical wires with care. Make sure the wiring for serial lights is properly insulated. Avoid contact with electric poles when installing lights. Do not attach 'shamiyanas,' tents, or other items to electrical wires, poles, or transformer stations. Be cautious of overhead power lines during processions. Do not try to lift power lines and inform Sub-Divisional Officers about the procession route in advance for assistance. Report any live wires or electrical sparks immediately by calling the 1912 helpline. Mark 'Danger Zones' where electrical equipment is installed for the Ganesh pandal."
Further BESCOM said, to obtain a temporary power connection, organisers must first secure a no objection letter from various authorities, including the BBMP, BDA, Grama Panchayat, and the local police station. Following this, an Assistant Executive Engineer or Assistant Engineer will inspect the site before granting permission, an official press release added..
Once the installation is approved, organisers need to get a wiring completion report from a registered electrical contractor. This report should confirm the safety of the wiring, installation of the Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB), and Earthing Inspection and Approval (EIA). After these steps, the authorities will provide the temporary electricity connection. After the festival, the meter must be returned, and the final reading recorded once the temporary connection period ends.