VALPOI: A power distribution transformer mounted on a concrete structure near the Martyr’s monument opposite to Government High School in ward 7 of Valpoi is a veritable death trap and is posing a threat to the unwary residents as there seems to be total callousness on the part of the concerned authority.  

The transformer which carries electric current up to 150kv has been left exposed in absence of a fence thus raising concerns among locals and is evident that how authorities can at times overlook safety and throw all norms to
the wind. 
Speaking to ‘The Navhind Times’ a resident of ward 7 said that the distribution transformer is not fenced with wire mesh which shows that the concerned department is least bothered about the safety of the people.
“The road on which the transformer has been set up was widened under the beautification project. But now the distance between the transformer and the main road is reduced,” he added.
Another resident informed that there are two high schools and one primary school within a radius of 50 mts of the transformer leaving the students totally exposed to the risk of getting electrocuted.
School students always pass by the ‘open’ transformer and now with the widening of the road they tend to walk close to the transformer. These students wait for the bus at the bus stop which is also in close proximity to the transformer and in absence of a fence they run into a risk of getting electric shock.
Another local informed that there is a water filling point near the transformer and that many tankers are often found parked in haphazard manner at the site for refilling. As such when water is filled into the tanks gallons of water gets wasted and accumulates near the transformer. The real problem is when these vehicles after filling tanks take reverse turn and leave recklessly after splashing the accumulated water.
Sources from Electricity department disclosed that under the beautification project the transformer was supposed to be shifted but due to unavailability of land the proposal was put on hold.
Expressing concerns for their lives the locals have now demanded that the Electricity department should at least as a safety measure get the transformer fenced or else shift it away from the residential area.