PUNE: Power disruptions are continuing in some parts of the city since last few days. Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Co Ltd (MSEDCL) said the power cuts in the city happened due to burning of garbage near the feeder boxes. The power utility appealed to citizens not to burn garbage near electricity distribution systems.
Around 35,000 consumers from Baner, Balewadi, Sus Road and Pashan areas faced power disruptions on Sunday. These areas plunged into darkness for over three hours. The incidents gradually increased during the winter, as people lit bonfires to protect themselves from cold near feeder boxes, cables, etc.
MSEDCL spokesman Nishikant Raut said, “The increased incidents caused financial losses to MSEDCL, while consumers also faced problems. We have appealed to people not to burn garbage near feeder pillars, distribution boxes, etc. These are open areas, where people dump garbage and also burn it. Baner, Balewadi, Sus Road and Pashan are the most problematic areas in case of garbage burning.”
Officials clarified that preventing garbage burning in open public spots will help save electric cables, including those located underground, from damage. However, citizens are routinely seen dumping garbage near feeder pillars, transformers, DP boxes as well as inside compounds that house transformers and other such installations, the statement said.
A senior officer said even underground cables are susceptible to damage. "Some people may unknowingly burn garbage in an open trench and the fire could reach the cables located underground. Citizens must behave responsibly and not throw garbage irresponsibly," he said.
