To ensure security arrangements and uninterrupted electricity supply during Muharram, the electricity department in Gaya has completed special preparations, including scheduled shutdowns in different parts of the city. The department said the shutdowns are intended to maintain a safe, organised and technically stable power system during the festival rather than cause inconvenience.
Officials said essential maintenance, line inspections and technical checks of feeders will be carried out during the shutdown period to prevent disruptions in electricity supply during processions and other religious events.
The department appealed to consumers not to switch on high-power electrical appliances such as air conditioners, water pumps, submersible motors, geysers, welding machines, large motors or other heavy-load equipment simultaneously immediately after power supply is restored. According to the department, if thousands of consumers switch on heavy-load appliances at the same time after a shutdown, feeders and transformers may come under excessive load, resulting in feeder tripping, transformer faults, blown fuses or renewed power interruptions in some areas. Consumers have therefore been advised to resume the use of electrical appliances in a phased manner.
Officials said several Muharram processions, majlis gatherings and other religious programmes will be held across the city. These events involve additional lighting, sound systems and temporary power connections, placing higher demand on the electricity network than on normal days. The department said technical inspections of the network before the festival are necessary to prevent even minor faults from affecting power supply across larger areas. Accordingly, all major feeders, transformers and distribution lines have been inspected, and repair work has been completed where required.
The department also said additional technical teams will be deployed in sensitive areas during Muharram. Each team has been provided with the necessary equipment, spare parts and vehicles to enable immediate restoration of power in the event of any complaint or technical fault. A control room will remain operational around the clock to monitor the city's electricity network. Officials said issues such as feeder tripping, snapped power lines or transformer-related faults will be addressed on a priority basis.
The department appealed to Muharram committees and procession organisers to exercise caution while taking tall tazias, alams or other structures beneath high-tension power lines. Officials advised organisers to inform the electricity department in advance if any power line appears too low or if there is any technical obstruction along a procession route so that necessary arrangements can be made. They said there will be no compromise on safety during the festival.
Local residents said sudden power disruptions had caused inconvenience during festivals in previous years and welcomed the department's advance technical preparations. However, they also requested that the duration of scheduled shutdowns be announced in advance so that households and businesses can plan their activities accordingly. Traders said prolonged power outages affect small businesses and that prior information would help minimise inconvenience.
Considering the summer season, the department also urged consumers to cooperate by avoiding the simultaneous use of air conditioners, coolers and motors immediately after power supply is restored. Officials said consumers should first operate essential appliances and switch on other heavy-load equipment after a few minutes to help maintain network stability and reduce the possibility of tripping.
According to the department, continuous coordination will be maintained with the district administration, police and other concerned departments during Muharram. Electricity infrastructure along major procession routes will be monitored closely, and technical personnel will be deployed on-site wherever necessary to resolve any issue promptly. Officials said the objective is to ensure that religious events are conducted peacefully without unnecessary electricity-related inconvenience to the public.
The department also urged citizens not to attempt to repair damaged power lines, sparking transformers or any other electrical faults themselves. Instead, such incidents should be reported immediately to the local electricity office or the department's helpline. Officials warned that negligence involving electrical infrastructure could result in serious accidents and urged the public to follow all safety guidelines.
The electricity department said all necessary preparations have been completed to ensure safe and uninterrupted power supply during Muharram. It added that if consumers follow the department's advisory and gradually resume the use of heavy electrical appliances after power restoration, excessive pressure on feeders and transformers can be avoided, helping maintain normal electricity supply across the city. The department said its teams are fully prepared to respond to any emergency during the festival with the cooperation of the public.
