Pune: MSEDCL’s work stuck for want of permission in Swargate, Sahakarnagar area

Pune: MSEDCL’s work stuck for want of permission in Swargate, Sahakarnagar area

Pune: Due to continuous breakdown in old power lines, work to provide alternative power supply in Sahakarnagar, Swargate, Janata Vasahat and Aranyeshwar has hindered and delayed.

The permission for excavation has been pending with the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) for the last three months even after paying as per the rules for the work of the underground channel. On the other hand, the work started by the Maharashtra State Electricity Development Corporation Limited (MSEDCL) for the supply of much-needed alternative power supply has also been halted due to increasing public outcry in other areas, including the Corona restricted area.

It is learned that the Aranyeshwar 22 KV line from the old Parvati sub-station under the Parvati division supplies electricity to the consumers in Sahakarnagar One, Aranyeshwar area as well as some parts of Swargate and Janata Vasahati. In case of a breakdown in the old Aranyeshwar power line which is overhead in some places and underground in some places, alternative power supply is not available at present. In addition, as part of the canal passes through the forest department's boundaries as well as towards the canal, it takes a long time to repair in case of technical failure. The channel has been experiencing frequent breakdowns during the monsoons, mainly since the monsoon rains in May and June.

Against this backdrop, MSEDCL has approved a proposal to provide alternative power supply to Aranyeshwar canal through a new underground line of 1 km length from Gultekdi substation. The Pune Municipal Corporation had given approval till March 31, 2020 for the excavation of one-kilometres underground channel of MSEDCL.

MSEDCL has paid the amount for excavation as per rules. However, with the lockdown starting from March 23, all work came to a standstill. Due to non-availability of manpower, the deadline given by the corporation was exceeded. Then in April, a written letter was sent to the corporation by MSEDCL to extend the excavation period. But no response has been received yet.

Meanwhile, torrential rains in June and July, falling tree branches and inundation of rainwater often caused the Aranyeshwar power line to malfunction in many places. As a result, thousands of consumers suffered from power outages. Notably, the power supply on this line also includes some corona restricted areas. As work from home started in other areas, the anger and complaints of the citizens increased.

Therefore, MSEDCL started the work of alternative power supply on the basis of old permission for essential services. Out of 1,000 underground channels, distance of 950 metres have been completed. However, with only 50 metres of work remaining, the work has been stopped by the corporation. The work of alternative power supply has been stopped even though permission was sought earlier and the required amount was paid as per the rules, a letter was issued to extend the excavation period. Therefore, at present, the work of providing alternative power supply to Aranyeshwar power line is also stalled.

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