Pune: Torrential rains and subsequent flooding have severely disrupted the power infrastructure across Pune, Pimpri Chinchwad, and adjacent talukas including Mulshi, Maval, and Khed. The deluge has submerged meter boxes in numerous residential societies, leading to a suspension of electricity supply to 13 power lines and 699 distribution transformers on Thursday, July 25, as a precautionary measure to prevent electrical accidents.
The power outages have affected approximately 84,600 consumers, with floodwater causing extensive damage to the power infrastructure. Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has been working on a war footing to restore power, but the heavy rains on Thursday afternoon have hindered progress. Central Pune has faced significant disruptions, with power outages occurring from Wednesday night through to Thursday evening in areas such as Kasba Peth and Tambat Ali near Shaniwarwada. The Market Yard area, encompassing Hamal Nagar, Salisbury Park, and Sandesh Nagar, experienced power cuts throughout Wednesday night. Similarly, Shravan Nagar and the surrounding Ghorpadi areas also faced overnight power disruptions.
The continuous power outages across many parts of the city have caused significant inconvenience to residents. In Baner, the lack of electricity has prevented water from reaching society tanks, leaving residents without access to basic necessities such as milk and newspapers, as non-functional lifts hampered their distribution. Residents in Kothrud-Karvenagar, Erandwane, Laxmi Road, and Tilak Road areas have also faced frequent power outages, exacerbating the hardships faced by the local populace. Numerous citizens reported receiving no response when attempting to contact MSEDCL’s call centre for assistance.
Power supply interruptions have also impacted parts of Shivajinagar, Sindh Society, Khadki, Rastapeth, Bhawaninagar, Junabazaar, Kondhwa, Pisoli Road, Khadi Machine Chowk, Wanwadi, Warje, and Karvenagar. The outages in these areas were primarily due to water infiltrating feeder pillars and branches falling on power lines. MSEDCL has assured that restoration efforts are ongoing at a rapid pace. In Pimpri Chinchwad, the Harkul and Ota Scheme areas of Nigdi experienced power outages due to water entering the power infrastructure. Electricity supply to 55 distribution transformers in regions including Matoshree Nagar in Sector Four, riverbank areas of Ravet, Sangvi, Hinjewadi, Dapodi, and Khara Lawadi has been suspended.
