Dimapur, July 28: Overgrown creepers and vegetation covering overhead electrical wires and utility poles along several stretches of Dimapur have become a growing concern for commuters and residents, who are urging the concerned authorities to take preventive action before any untoward incident occurs.
The issue was observed along Dr. Hokeshe Sema Road near Sematila, as well as the Army Camp area before reaching Dhobinalla Junction, where thick creepers have spread across overhead wires and electrical poles. Although no incident has been officially reported from these locations, the unchecked vegetation has prompted safety concerns among the public.
Several passersby and local residents, speaking off-camera, expressed concern that the overgrown vegetation could pose a potential safety risk, particularly during the ongoing monsoon season when strong winds and heavy rainfall are common. They appealed to the concerned authorities to regularly clean and maintain the roadside vegetation and electrical infrastructure to prevent any possible hazards.
The concern comes in the wake of a recent incident at the Super Market area, where a video showing an apparent electrical current leakage from a transformer enclosure went viral on social media. At the time, many members of the public suspected that the overgrown vegetation surrounding the transformer had caused the incident. However, the Power Department later clarified that the leakage was actually caused by an unused wire, not the vegetation. Following the incident, the department cleared the surrounding vegetation and removed the unused wires to ensure public safety.
While the cause of that incident was different, residents believe it serves as an important reminder of the need for regular maintenance of electrical infrastructure. They say timely trimming of vegetation and removal of unused or hanging wires can help reduce potential risks and improve public safety.
Residents have therefore appealed to the Power Department and other concerned authorities to inspect the affected areas and carry out preventive maintenance before any avoidable incident occurs.
