New Delhi: Tata Power Delhi Distribution, a leading utility supplying electricity to a populace of 7 million in North Delhi, celebrated Lineman Diwas across the organisation on March 24. The aim of the event was to recognise the tireless efforts of the most important pillar of power distribution -- the linemen and ground maintenance staff.
The significance of this date is that it marks the anniversary of the countrywide lockdown announced on March 24, 2020, to contain the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. The pandemic has been a reminder of the importance of these frontline workers, including the linemen and ground maintenance staff in the power sector, who took all challenges in their stride and continued serving the nation by ensuring uninterrupted power supply. It is a day to honour these dedicated power victors who put their lives on the line to keep the supply on.
The event was inaugurated by Vivek Goel, chief engineer, Distribution Planning and Technology Division, Central Electricity Authority (the statutory body that advises the government on policy matters and formulates plans for the development of electricity systems), in the presence of Ganesh Srinivasan, CEO, Tata Power-DDL, and linemen, along with other staff of the company, at Tata Power-DDL’s Learning Center at Rohini, Delhi. The dignitaries also unveiled a towering 23ft colourful wall graffiti. Designed by Delhi Street Art, the mural depicts linemen braving all odds and a logo with a motto Seva Suraksha Svabhimaan.
During the event, over 60 top-performing linemen were felicitated by the dignitaries in the presence of their family members. These linemen have not only made heroic efforts for keeping the city of Delhi up and running but they have also played an instrumental role in providing relief and assistance work during natural crises like Uttarakhand earthquakes (2017), Kerala floods (2018) and Cyclone Fani (2019).
The event was organised while maintaining strict Covid-19 protocol.
Speaking at the inauguration, Ganesh Srinivasan said, "During the lockdown, we at Tata Power-DDL, with the help of our on-ground staff, ensured that all essential services like hospitals, police stations, government offices and the huge populace working from home receive unremitted electricity. We are proud of the level of commitment demonstrated by our linemen, and feel such a day should be celebrated nationally. They are the first responders and keep the electricity flowing in these uncertain and challenging times. We thank all linemen workers from the bottom of our hearts for their services and urge them to follow safety guidelines to avoid any untoward incident.”
