India's journey to becoming a developed nation by
2047, as envisioned in the Viksit Bharat mission, pivots on robust growth in
real estate, manufacturing, and mobility. Amid this rapid transformation,
electrical safety has emerged as a non-negotiable priority.
Recognizing this, Polycab, India’s largest
manufacturer of wires and cables, in collaboration with CNBC-TV18,
launched a pioneering initiative—Infra Safety: Powering India’s Electrical
Future—that brings together stakeholders to spotlight the criticality of
electrical safety and deliberate solutions that will pre-empt hazards due to electrical
mishaps.
Electrical Safety
Matters
According to the National Crime Records Bureau,
nearly 20% of fire incidents in India are attributed to electrical short
circuits, with this figure estimated at 70% in cities like Mumbai, according to
experts. The reasons range from improper wiring and human error in installation
to out-dated electrical systems unable to handle increased energy demands. Given
that India has world-class capabilities in products and technology, many of
these mishaps are avoidable.
Focus on Real Estate
India's real estate sector, the second-largest
employment generator, employs 18% of the national workforce. Its rapid vertical
growth, particularly in cities like Mumbai, calls for stringent electrical
safety standards to safeguard lives, infrastructure, and aspirations.
The first Infra Safety conclave focused on
electrical safety in Real Estate and brought together several leadership
voices, including Dr Niranjan Hiranandani and senior MEP consultants as well as
public safety officials from the Fire Safety Department. The discourse aimed to
bring the need for electrical safety awareness to the public. The conclave is the
first in a series that will also look at highlighting safety issues in
manufacturing and transportation
Collaborative
Campaign
The campaign aims to raise awareness about the
critical importance of electrical safety, targeting both consumers and
professionals to foster a deeper understanding of its role in safeguarding
lives and infrastructure. It seeks to encourage the adoption of stringent
safety standards and emphasizes the need for regular audits to ensure systems
remain robust and secure and meet the growing use of electrical equipment over
time.
Additionally, the initiative highlights the
transformative potential of emerging technologies such as IoT and advanced
cabling solutions, promoting innovation as a key driver for a safer and more
sustainable future.
Maiden Conclave in Mumbai
Mumbai, India’s financial capital, embodies
both the challenges and opportunities of ensuring electrical safety in
high-rise buildings. With the city of dreams’ status as a role model for the
rest of the country, it became the natural choice for the launch of the
campaign.
The evening soon turned into a learning experience
with the presence of luminary stakeholders from various domains who candidly
shared their knowledge and insights. During his opening remarks, Rajashekhar Reddy, Vice President - Marketing
at Polycab, set the tone for the discussions by emphasizing the critical importance of raising awareness
about electrical safety among consumers, which can reduce accidents and save
human lives.
Safety Culture Gap
India’s culture of jugaad—relying on
makeshift solutions—often undermines safety. As Rajeev RA, former
metropolitan commissioner, pointed out in his Keynote Address, the lack of a
safety culture is a significant obstacle. While regulations exist, their
implementation and regular follow-ups remain inconsistent.
To bridge this gap, experts at the conclave
emphasized the need for mandatory training programs to certify electricians and
enhance their technical proficiency. They also highlighted the importance of
educating consumers about the value of using quality products and ensuring
skilled installations. The deliberations called for robust policy frameworks to
establish and enforce safety norms, ensuring accountability and adherence
across all stakeholders.
Building
a Safer Skyline
The first panel discussion of the evening was
themed Fortifying
Mumbai's Skyline: Enhancing Electrical Fire Safety in High-Rise Buildings. Moderated by
Mangalam Maloo, CNBC-TV18, it underscored the critical importance of safety
standards. This discussion took place against the backdrop of the city's
anticipated 34% growth in skyscrapers by 2030.
Ashish Rakheja, Managing Partner, AEON
Integrated Building Design Consultants LLP observed that although codes and
standards related to fire are most stringent and there is ample regulation at
all levels, right from manufacturing to installation, the risks get built in
thereafter, during operations and maintenance. Dr Deepak Ghosh, Deputy CFO,
Mumbai Fire Brigade, highlighted the irony of consumers investing heavily in
property while hesitating to spend on timely electrical audits of their homes
and buildings, thereby risking lives and being exposed to costly consequences. This
underlines the fact that safety is an investment, not a cost.
Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani, Founder and Chairman
of the Hiranandani Group, underscored the importance of educating homeowners
about the load-bearing capacities of their electrical systems. He pointed out
that particularly in older homes, in the wake of the rising usage of electrical
equipment over the years, regular audits and suitable maintenance is a
necessity to ensure safety. Drawing a stark analogy to make the point, Bhushan
Sawhney, Executive President of Polycab, cautioned that installing sub-standard
products is as perilous as driving without airbags. The panellists were in
consensus on the critical role of awareness, education, and proactive actions
in mitigating electrical risks.
Innovations Driving
Change
Emerging materials technology and innovative
digital solutions are transforming electrical safety. IoT devices can offer
proactive safety by detecting potential issues such as overheating or gas leaks
before they escalate into hazards. Meanwhile, advancements in nano-polymers are
enhancing the durability and safety of cables, ensuring they can withstand
higher demands with greater reliability. Thinking ahead, Bharat Jaisinghani, Executive Director,
Polycab, remarked on the scope for the use of Artificial Intelligence to
revolutionize cable selection by providing precise recommendations tailored to
specific applications, optimizing both performance and safety. These
breakthroughs can redefine how we approach electrical infrastructure.
Polycab, as a leader in electrical safety, has been
at the forefront of these innovations. “We want to be a solutions provider, not
just a supplier,” affirmed Bhushan
Sawhney, Executive President & Chief Business Officer, Polycab, during a Fireside
Chat on Safety first: Strengthening the Electrical Backbone of Construction. The
company offers training programs in multiple languages and invests in R&D
to create safer, more eco-friendly products.” In an earlier televised episode
on the same subject, Bhushan emphasized that “India is in a build mode and the
real estate market in India is poised to touch USD 1 trillion in 2030 and will
continue to grow exponentially. Hence it is incumbent on all stakeholders to
make Viksit Bharat also Surakshit Bharat.”
Real Estate and Cabling Solutions
The second panel at the conclave,
moderated by Gautam Srinivasan of CNBC-TV18, explored the transformative role
of cabling solutions in shaping the future of real estate. The discussion
focused on emphasizing the importance of adhering to high safety benchmarks
through robust standards and certifications. Panelists also highlighted
emerging trends, such as green certifications and fire-retardant materials with
low smoke emissions, as pivotal advancements driving safer and more sustainable
real estate developments.
Building a Viksit
and Surakshit Bharat
The success of India’s Viksit Bharat mission hinges
on safety and sustainability. From policymakers to consumers, everyone has a
role to play and participants at the first conclave of the campaign pledged
their support.
As the Infra Safety campaign demonstrates,
collaboration is key to creating infrastructure that not only powers progress
but also safeguards lives. Prioritizing electrical safety can ensure that
India’s growth story is one of resilience, innovation, and shared prosperity.