Panar, Bandipora – May 26: In a disturbing case of official negligence, the Power Development Department (PDD) Bandipora is under severe criticism as the department has tied Electricity Wires to trees instead of erecting electric poles risking lives of people.
Locals said electricity wires are dangerously strung over trees instead of being secured to proper electric poles in Panar village.
The situation turned hazardous on Sunday when strong winds caused several poplar trees — used as makeshift supports — to bend and break, bringing down live wires and triggering panic among locals.
The incident has ignited public anger and fear in the village, with residents accusing the department of endangering lives. Witnesses reported sparks flying as trees snapped or leaned, snapping wires and narrowly avoiding potential tragedies.
“This is not just careless, it’s criminal negligence,” said one resident. “How can authorities gamble with our lives like this? We’ve children and elderly in our homes. One wrong move, one gust of wind, and we’re looking at a catastrophe.”
Despite repeated pleas to the PDD for permanent infrastructure, locals allege that their concerns have gone unheeded for years. The use of trees to support live wires has become a dangerous norm, with no sign of proper poles being installed.
“This isn’t the first time it’s happened — and it won’t be the last unless the authorities act now,” warned another villager. “Are they waiting for someone to die before they respond?”
With the wind season ongoing, the village remains on edge. Residents are demanding the immediate installation of electric poles and proper realignment of transmission lines. They have also appealed to senior officials in the administration to personally intervene and ensure their safety.
Until then, the people of Panar continue to live under a deadly threat — not of natural disaster, but of man-made apathy.
