KERALA STATE ELECTRICITY BOARD LIMITED (incorporated under the Companies Act, 1956) Reg. Office: Vydyuthi Shavanam, Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram — 695 004, Kerala CIN -U40100K120115GC027424 Website: www.kseb.in Phone: +91 471 2514310, 2514573, 2514292, 2514636, 2514639 Fax: 0471 2514588 E-mail: ladeo@kseb.in No, LB 1/4004/2021 Date: % .02.2022 IRCULAR Sub:- Removal of trees, structures or other objects that interrupt or interfere/ that are likely to interrupt or interfere with electricity lines or accessibility of works ~ procedure to be followed - Regarding. Ref:- Direction dated 21.11.2021 of the Director (Distribution&IT), Kerala State Electricity Board Limited. The Kerala State Electricity Board Limited maintains a vast elect al network consisting of more than three lakh kilometers of overhead lines. This constantly expanding network spreads out to every corner of the State. Since the state has high vegetation and population/ building density, the likelihood of trees, structures or other objects getting placed close to these lines subsequent to their construction is highly likely. Several cases of such trees and buildings close to electric lines posing serious threat to these lines and the common public are being reported. Several cases of falling trees causing damage to installations and serious power supply disruptions are also being reported from field offices. The Electricity Act 2003 lays down a specific course of action for getting such trees, structures and other objects removed, before they cause disruptions, dangers or damages. The relevant law, section 68 (5) of the Electricity Act 2003 is reproduced hereunder. Where any tree standing or lying near an overhead line or where any tree, structure or other object which has been placed or has fallen near.an overhead line subsequent to the placing of such line, interrupts or interferes with, or is likely to interrupt or interfere with, the conveyance or transmission of electricity or the accessibility of any works, an Executive Magistrate or authority specified by the Appropriate Government may, on the application of the licensee, cause the tree, structure or object to be removed or otherwise dealt with as he or it thinks fit. Explanation - For the purposes of this section, the expression “tree” shall be deemed to include any shrub, hedge, jungle growth or other plant.3 Considering the mandates of the above law, the following procedure is enunciated for strict adherence. If on routine patrolling of lines, which is Mandatory, the Assistant Engineer of the concerned Electrical Section or any official authorised by him for the purpose finds that any tree, structure and other object is located dangerously close to the line and may interrupt or interfere with, or is likely to interrupt or interfere with, the conveyance of electricity through the line or the accessibility of any works, he shall take immediate action to issue a Proper notice to the owner of the infringing object and report the matter the same day itself to the Assistant Executive Engineer of the concerned Electrical Subdivision. The Assistant Executive Engineer on receipt of the report shall file an application in terms of Section 68 (5) of the Electricity Act 2003, before the Executive Magistrate concerned. Considering the definiteness of jurisdiction, such applications shall be filed before the District Magistrate. The Assistant Executive Engineer concerned shall meticulously follow up the application filed in terms of Section 68 (5) of the Electricity Act 2003 and orders to cause removal of the tree, structures and other object located dangerously close to the line or installation shall be obtained expeditiously. Action for ensuring compliance of orders thus obtained shall also be taken promptly. Damages if any caused to installations due to interference or interruptions by trees, structures or other objects shall be also recovered from those responsible for removal of these objects. aa | SECRETARY (ADMINISTRATION) To ~ All Chief Engineers (Distribution South, Central, North, North Malabar) All Deputy Chief Engineers of Electrical Circles Copy to: The TA to Chairman & Managing Director/Director (RES, SOURA, Sports & Welfare)/ Director (Planning &Safety, SCM)/ Director (Generation-Electrical)/ Director (Generation-Civil)/ Director (Transmission & System Operation)/ Director (Distn.&IT) : ‘The PA to Director (Finance). The Legal Liaison Officer.