Hyderabad, September 6: In a peculiar incident, smoke billowing from the ground near KBR Park in Hyderabad’s upscale Jubilee Hills area startled residents and passersby on Wednesday, sparking concern about the cause of the unusual sight. The smoke drew immediate attention, with curious onlookers gathering at the site, resulting in a temporary traffic jam on the busy road.
Speculations Point to Electrical Cable Fault
Local residents suspect that the smoke might have originated from an underground 11kV electrical cable, possibly damaged due to the recent heavy rains. The rains, which have lashed Hyderabad over the past week, may have weakened the infrastructure, potentially causing a short circuit in the underground cable installed by the electricity department.
“Given the recent weather conditions, it’s possible that water seeped into the underground cable, leading to a short circuit,” said a local resident. This has raised concerns about the safety of similar installations in the area, especially with the ongoing monsoon season.
Traffic Disruptions and Public Concerns
As news of the incident spread, a crowd gathered to witness the unusual phenomenon, with some taking videos and photos. This led to traffic disruptions in the vicinity of KBR Park, one of Hyderabad’s most prominent green spaces. Commuters faced delays as authorities cordoned off the area to manage the situation.
“We were just driving by when we noticed the smoke. It was alarming because we had never seen anything like this before,” said a passerby who witnessed the incident.
Investigation Underway
Authorities, including officials from the electricity department and local administration, have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the smoke. Electrical engineers have been deployed to inspect the area and assess any potential damage to the cable. “We are thoroughly investigating the incident to ensure there is no further risk to public safety. Our team is working to identify if the underground cable is the source of the issue,” an official from the electricity department said.
Recent Weather Contributing to Infrastructure Stress
Hyderabad has been experiencing heavy rains over the past few days, which may have contributed to the suspected electrical fault. Weather experts have warned of continued rains in the region, adding pressure on the city’s aging infrastructure. Incidents like these highlight the need for regular maintenance of underground utilities to prevent such occurrences in the future.
Local authorities have urged the public to stay away from the affected area until the issue is fully resolved. So far, no injuries or significant damage have been reported, but residents are advised to remain cautious, particularly during the monsoon season when such incidents are more likely to occur.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on ensuring public safety and preventing similar occurrences in the future. Further updates from the authorities are awaited as they work to restore normalcy in the area.
