Srinagar, Jun 22: A woman lost her life at NaidKadal area of Downtown after suffering electric shock from a metal electric pole amid waterlogging triggered by heavy rains.
Officials said that the deceased was identified as Shamima (65) a resident of NaidKadal. Witnesses said the woman was walking through a waterlogged stretch during the downpour when she came in contact with a metal electric pole that was carrying current.
“As soon as she touched the pole, she received a severe electric shock and collapsed . People wanted to help, but water was everywhere, and there was fear of current spreading through the flooded area,” said a witness.
Residents said she was rushed to hospital where doctors declared her dead. They said the police officials reached the area and shifted the body before handing it over to the family.
The incident triggered anger among locals, who blamed both the persistent drainage failures in the area and alleged lapses in electrical safety measures.
They alleged that after the incident, staff from the Power Development Department visited the spot and rectified the fault in the pole.
“NaidKadal witnesses waterlogging almost every time there is a heavy spell of rain. Had the area not been submerged, this tragedy might have been avoided,” said a local resident.
Residents also pointed to exposed and live wires near a transformer in the vicinity, expressing fears of another tragedy.
“There are open wires near the transformer. If these wires come in contact with water, the entire locality could be at risk. We have raised these concerns repeatedly,” another resident said.
Locals claimed that stray dogs have previously been electrocuted near the same location, alleging that electrical hazards in the area have remained unattended for years.
The incident has once again brought attention to concerns surrounding electrical safety in Srinagar. Despite major investments in power infrastructure upgrades and smart metering initiatives in recent years, complaints regarding exposed wires, unsafe electric poles and inadequate maintenance continue to surface from various parts of the city.
Residents demanded a comprehensive safety audit of electrical installations in waterlogging-prone areas to prevent similar incidents in the future.