Pune : Prolonged Power Cuts Frustrate PCMC Citizens, Municipal Corporation and MSEDCL Blame Each Other
Varad Bhatkhande
Wakad, 13th October 2023 : Residents of several areas in the Pimpri Chinchwad including Wakad, Rahatani, Tathawade, and Pimple Saudagar, have voiced their mounting concerns over recurrent electricity disruptions. The frequent power outages are causing considerable inconvenience to residents, affecting essential daily activities. Furthermore, the challenges of working from home (WFH) during power cuts, when electronic devices and Wi-Fi are rendered useless, have made the situation even more taxing for many.
While load shedding isn’t evidently to blame for these power interruptions, the impact on the daily lives of citizens remains profound. Dattatreya Deshmukh, Chairman of the Pimpri Chinchwad Housing Society Federation, said, “We, as a federation, have been raising this issue for the past seven years. We have established WhatsApp groups with MSEDCL members to expedite issue reporting and resolution. We have brought this matter to the attention of all commissioners for the last 5-7 years. However, no substantial progress has been made.”
Deshmukh further highlighted issues in areas like Pimple Saudagar, Wakad, Ravet, Punawale, and Tathawade that have seen rapid development without adequate planning. He pinpointed cable joints, stating that over 300 cable joints exist in the Wakad area, a significant contributor to power outages. In 2017-18, a detailed meeting with MSEDCL officers outlined the need for Rs 125 crore fund to replace the entire cable network in Wakad.
Similar issues are now emerging in upcoming areas. While MSEDCL’s staff shortage has been frequently discussed, no substantive changes have been witnessed. Pimpri Chinchwad Housing Society Federation Vice Chairman Sachin Londhe stated, “Road construction starts digging without a plan, and they become a mess. They don’t see cable, gas lines, MSEB lines, etc. We discussed this with PCMC, but they ignored it. MSEDCL has powers, yet no actions are taken, and citizens bear the brunt. Why don’t authorities take action against contractors who cause these damages?”
Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) commented, “Road works are the main reason. We will try to analyze the complaints and we will improve wherever the complaints are coming from in PCMC.”
PCMC City Engineer Makarand Nikam emphasized the necessity of road construction but noted that contractors must take responsibility for their errors. He explained, “We inform the contractor of their mistake when electricity wires are damaged, and we expect them to repair it. Sometimes delays occur because MSEDCL fails to coordinate with us, hindering timely action.”
Citizens of the affected areas continue to grapple with these challenges and are eagerly awaiting a comprehensive solution to the recurring power cuts that disrupt their daily lives.
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