Delhi Discoms Warn Against Manjha Use Near Power Lines Ahead of Independence Day
Ahead of Independence Day, power distribution companies BSES and Tata Power-DDL on Tuesday issued safety advisories urging residents across Delhi, including prone areas like Jahangirpuri, Mangolpuri, and Sultanpuri, to avoid using metal-coated or glass-powder-coated strings while flying kites near overhead power lines.
The discoms warned that glass-coated or metal-coated manjha coming into contact with power lines can result in electric shocks, electrocution, damage to electrical equipment, and widespread outages. BSES, which supplies electricity to over 5.44 million consumers in south, east, west, and central Delhi, stated that the tripping of a single 33/66 kV overhead line can disrupt power supply to more than 10,000 residents, while an 11 kV line can affect over 2,500 consumers.
BSES operations and maintenance teams have been placed on high alert to respond to kite-flying incidents leading up to August 15. Meanwhile, Tata Power-DDL, which serves north and northwest Delhi, appealed to consumers to use cotton or natural-fibre strings, highlighting that glass-coated or "Chinese manjha" also causes severe injuries to two-wheeler riders and birds.
Based on past trends, Tata Power-DDL identified several localities prone to kite-flying power disruptions, including Kirari, Bhalaswa, Burari, Badli, Karala, Wazirpur, and Bawana. The discom is intensifying public awareness campaigns through radio, social media, video advisories, banners at installations, and awareness drives in JJ clusters, resettlement colonies, and local schools. BSES has also launched outreach through social media, consumer newsletters, and interactions with resident welfare associations.
Residents have been advised not to touch or attempt to retrieve kites or strings caught on overhead lines. BSES cautioned that disrupting power supply or damaging electrical equipment can attract legal action under the Electricity Act and the Delhi Police Act. For emergency reporting, BSES consumers can call 19123 (BRPL) or 19122 (BYPL), while Tata Power-DDL consumers can dial 19124.
