MPPTCL strengthens public awareness against illegal construction near EHV transmission lines in Indore
- July 21, 2025
Madhya Pradesh Transmission Company Ltd (MPPTCL) has redoubled its efforts to create alert the public about risks associated with illegal construction in close proximity to EHV transmission lines, in Indore.
In a release, MPPTCL said that it is disseminating safety information door-to-door in these regions. Additionally, public address systems are being used to announce warnings and educate residents on maintaining a safe distance from the lines.
It is learnt that in several areas of Indore where transmission lines are already operational, unauthorized construction is still being carried out in violation of safety norms.
Nearly 900 notices issued
In many areas of Indore city, including newly developed colonies, hundreds of houses have been built within the restricted zones of extra high-tension transmission lines. These constructions have come up near transmission lines that were established years ago. Not only are these constructions illegal, but they also pose a serious threat to human life. In the last three years, MPPTCL has issued 892 notices regarding such constructions. MP Transco continues to take steps on its own and also conducts joint operations with the district administration. Residential buildings located under these long-established extra high-tension lines are in violation of electrical safety regulations and pose a significant threat to public safety.
High-risk areas
Buildings and commercial activities under or near transmission lines are a serious violation of electrical safety norms. Areas such as Limbodi, Musakhedi, Khajrana, Mukherjee Nagar, Banganga, Nemawar Road, Sukhliya, Dewas Naka, and Khandwa Road in Indore have inadequate safety clearance, making them highly prone to accidents.
The MPPTCL release also informed that since January 2025 till now, there have been 33 interruptions in Indore’s transmission lines, 16 of which were caused by people or objects entering the transmission zone.
The mandatory 27-m corridor
According to the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), a minimum safety distance of 27 meters is required below transmission lines carrying 132kV or higher voltage to prevent accidental contact with hanging wires and avoid mishaps.
Voltage supplied to homes is typically 230 volts. Even this level of voltage is dangerous enough to cause serious injury or death if a person accidentally comes into contact with it. It is easy to see that EHV transmission lines carrying voltages of 132kV and 220kV, can be 600 to 900 times riskier. Construction within the legally restricted area of transmission corridors is not only unlawful but can also be fatal, the release cautioned.
Also read: MPPTCL strengthens power transmission system in Nimar region
Featured photograph sourced from MPPTCL