Indore (Madhya Pradesh): Linemen are the backbone of the electricity distribution system, working tirelessly to ensure uninterrupted power supply, often in challenging conditions. As the power sector observes Lineman Day on March 4 (Tuesday), the dedication of these unsung heroes deserves special recognition.

Linemen work in most adverse circumstances to keep power supply up and running. Even in the face of natural disasters, they remain committed to their duty. Three years ago, when floods hit several areas of Indore, two brave linemen Jitendra Rajput and Ankit Pandare displayed exceptional courage in restoring electricity to thousands of homes.

During the floods, as part of safety measures power supply was snapped in around 3,000 houses in Dhar Road-Sirpur area. Normally, restoring electricity in such conditions could take up to a day. However, Jitendra and Ankit worked relentlessly in waist-deep water near Nageen Nagar ensuring water was drained from the transformer sites.

Their swift action brought back power in just eight hours, far ahead of the expected timeline. Tarun Chawla, the then in charge of Sirpur zone, recalled how the West Discom, police and administration worked in coordination.

“We monitored the water levels every moment. Once it reached a critical stage, we disconnected the low-pressure line from the high-pressure 11 KV line to prevent accidents. Jitendra and Ankit went above and beyond, making sure power was restored quickly and safely” he said.  

Braving floodwaters in Ujjain with a motor boat

A similar story unfolded in Ujjain in September 2023, when heavy flooding submerged the Shani Mandir Indore Road feeder area. Eight transformers were at risk, threatening prolonged outages.

Determined to restore power, linemen Sunil Koli, Sachin Kumar and Omprakash Sharma took an unconventional approach. They borrowed a motor boat from the Home Guard and navigated through the flood water to reach the affected sites.

“If we had waited for the water to recede, the transformers would have suffered major damage, causing a day-long power outage,” said Ujjain rural executive engineer Amresh Seth. Thanks to the team’s swift action, power supply was restored within 7 to 8 hours.

Lineman Day celebrations in Indore

To honour the unwavering commitment of linemen, special events are being organized in Indore on Tuesday. Linemen selected from 30 zones will be recognized for their contributions in an event to be held at Jal Auditorium at 11 AM. City superintendent engineer Manoj Sharma will address them.

At 10:30 AM at South Avenue Hotel, Tukoganj, linemen from areas including Indore, Kanada, Dudhiya, Sanwer, Mhow, Depalpur, Pithampur and Betma will be felicitated. Indore rural superintendent engineer Dr DN Sharma shared that safety equipment such as discharge rods, pliers, boots, helmets, swings and gloves would be gifted to the linemen.