Laying of HT lines sans nod: HC pulls up govt

A division bench comprising Justice N Kirubakaran and Justice S S Sundar ordered notice based on a plea moved by R Palaniswamy seeking to call for the records of the Central Electricity Authority granting prior approval for Pugalur HVDC Station-Thiruvalam 400 KV line, Pugalur HVDC Station-Paramathy 400 KV, and quash the same.

The bench in its order observed that when the rights of the citizens, especially the health of human beings are affected, it is the bounden duty of the Central government and the State government to take serious note of the possible hardships that may be caused to the public and consider whether the alternative system of transmission through underground lines can be feasible.

However, the bench, while noting that if the projects have already commenced by spending more than 50 per cent of the cost, they need not refrain themselves from proceeding with the said projects, added, “It is the need of the hour for the government to consider the process of power transmission through underground cables as it neutralises the effect of high voltage, which poses a grave health hazard.”

The bench also recorded the submission that when power is transmitted through overhead high-tension lines, there will be a loss to the tune of Rs. 42,000 crore.