Former Tripura power regulator D Radhakrishna has urged NITI Aayog to implement nationwide electrical safety reforms following recurring electrocution incidents, transformer blasts and fire accidents. The proposal calls for independent safety audits, stricter regulations, a national electrical safety authority and enhanced consumer protection across India’s power sector.
Raising serious concerns over recurring electrical accidents, fires and electrocution cases across the country, former power sector regulator D Radhakrishna has urged the Central government to undertake a comprehensive overhaul of India’s electrical safety framework. In a detailed letter addressed to NITI Aayog member Prof Abhay Karandikar on June 9, Radhakrishna emphasized that electrical safety remains one of the most overlooked yet critical aspects of the nation’s power sector.
Highlighting the urgent need for reform, the former regulator pointed to the increasing number of transformer explosions, short-circuit-related fires and electrocution incidents affecting residential areas, commercial establishments and public spaces. According to him, rapid urbanisation, the rise of high-rise buildings and growing electricity consumption have significantly increased safety risks, making stronger regulatory mechanisms essential.
Drawing from personal experience, Radhakrishna recalled a tragic circuit-breaker blast at a power generation facility in 1984 that reportedly claimed nearly 20 lives, including several of his colleagues. The incident, he noted, demonstrated the devastating consequences that can arise from inadequate safety systems and weak oversight mechanisms.
To address these challenges, Radhakrishna proposed a series of reforms aimed at strengthening electrical safety standards nationwide. Among the key recommendations are the introduction of independent electrical safety certification systems and mandatory periodic safety audits for residential complexes, hospitals, schools, shopping malls and high-rise buildings. He stressed that regular inspections and compliance checks could significantly reduce the risk of accidents and save lives.
The former regulator also called for stricter enforcement of existing safety regulations and the establishment of a dedicated national authority responsible for electrical safety oversight, accident investigation and policy implementation. Such an institution, he argued, would provide a coordinated and focused approach to monitoring safety standards across the country.
In addition, Radhakrishna recommended capacity-building initiatives for electricians, engineers and maintenance personnel to ensure that electrical systems are installed and maintained according to the highest safety standards. He further advocated stronger compensation mechanisms for victims of electrical accidents and fire-related incidents, ensuring timely support for affected families.
Beyond safety measures, the letter also touched upon the financial aspects of the power sector. Radhakrishna suggested examining a longer tariff framework for long-life power infrastructure projects, arguing that it could help improve affordability while creating greater financial flexibility for maintenance and safety compliance investments.
| Also Read: Anganwadi Workers Raise Concern Over Unpaid Expenses |
Concluding his appeal, Radhakrishna urged the government to constitute a high-level committee comprising technical institutions, regulators and industry experts to study the proposals in detail. He maintained that ensuring both safety and affordability should remain the twin pillars of future power sector reforms, emphasizing that proactive action today could prevent avoidable tragedies and strengthen consumer confidence in India’s electricity infrastructure.
