A newly erected electric pillar by MESCOM contractors at Idabettu in Kuria village of Puttur, Dakshina Kannada district, collapsed within a day of installation, exposing severe negligence in construction standards. The pillar, which had only been placed into a shallow one-and-a-half-foot pit, failed to withstand even minor weather conditions, leading to public outrage and raising serious safety concerns.
Local residents noted that the pillar was not adequately hardened, leaving it vulnerable to collapse even in mild rains. “If the pillar falls after just one hour of rain, what will happen during the monsoon season?” questioned a concerned resident. The incident has sparked fears regarding the potential hazards of poorly erected electric poles, especially as the rainy season approaches.
Concerns for public safety were also raised, as a collapse involving live electric wires could lead to electrocution, fires, or damage to surrounding properties. “Had anyone been near the pillar when it fell, it could have been fatal,” one resident observed. Fortunately, the pillar’s fall the day after installation spared lives and highlighted potential misuse of public funds.
The incident has cast doubt on the MESCOM department’s reliance on contractors, who appear to have prioritized profit over safety, potentially endangering the lives of residents. While MESCOM officials and contractors have often come under scrutiny for similar incidents, this latest mishap has drawn renewed criticism. Many are calling for stricter oversight of contractors to ensure public safety, as well as accountability for substandard construction practices.
