Lineman’s death during streetlight work in Tinsukia raises safety concerns in Assam power sector

The death of a 30-year-old lineman during installation of a solar streetlight in the Baghjan–Dighal Tarang area has triggered fresh concerns over safety standards in Assam’s electricity operations.
 

The deceased, Joakim Kuzur of Diyamuli 9 No. Line, was engaged in field work when the incident occurred on April 28, in Tinsukia.
 

Preliminary reports suggest that workers at the site were carrying out high-risk electrical installation work without essential safety gear such as helmets, insulated gloves, safety harnesses, or certified tools. Bamboo ladders were reportedly being used to access concrete poles, raising serious questions about adherence to standard safety protocols.
 

Sources further indicated that unsafe working practices allegedly continued even after the fatal incident, pointing to possible lapses in supervision and enforcement of safety norms.
 

The incident comes amid a series of recent electrocution deaths reported from places such as Titabor and Jorhat, where concerns have been raised over live-line maintenance work being conducted without proper shutdown procedures and safety precautions.
 

Following the incident, local residents and student organisations staged protests outside Baghjan Police Station, demanding accountability, strict enforcement of safety regulations, and adequate compensation for the victim’s family.
 

The tragedy has renewed calls for urgent reforms in the power sector, including mandatory use of personal protective equipment (PPE), strict compliance with standard operating procedures, regular safety audits, and proper training for field personnel to prevent further loss of life.