Wadgaon Sheri Society faces prolonged power cuts; No explicit notification from authorities

Shail Shukla

Pune, 12 March 2021:  Residents of Waterbay Society located in Wadgaon Sheri suffered prolonged power cuts for more than 40 hours in the last four days.

Residents blame MSEDCL authorities for unnotified and prolonged power outages. Daily chores and work from home conditions have also been affected due to abrupt electric supply cuts.

The society members have alleged that they were not given any concrete reason for the uninformed and abrupt power cuts.

On 9 March, 2021 all areas under Wadgaon Sheri faced power cuts which lasted for more than 24 hours. However, Waterbay society members have claimed that the issue of power outages hasn’t been solved yet.

‘No Electricity Since Last 4 days’

Savio, a resident of Waterbay, said that they have been facing issues since the last four days.”MSEB has not informed us regarding the issue. On the first day, the power cut was at noon in the entire Wadgaon Sheri area. MSEDCL rectified the issue and the power was restored in Wadgaon Sheri and the neighbouring areas around 5 pm however for us, power was available only for four hours. After which, there was a sudden power outage and the power was back the next day at 5 pm”.

He further added, “We were informed that it is a temporary setup and were asked not to use geyser, ac and other heavy equipment.  The power was cut for 6 hours the next day, and we were told that some permanent solution is being taken.  However, there is no electricity as of now.”

Work From Home Condition Worsens

Another citizen, Amrita, said, “We all are working from home and are running from one house to another, one cafe to another. We are taking calls on Rickshaws and bikes. It is getting difficult for us to continue with our daily chores and office work. There is a power cut for four to five hours for four consecutive days. Every day we are being told that it is just a matter of one day. However, we go through the same thing again.”

“Society has given us a water filter which runs on electricity, and if you are aware, then you can at least prepare yourself for it and fill the container. But they are not informing or notifying us properly. Some of us are drinking boiled water. I am drinking directly from the tap because I do not have the time. I have to look after my child and office work. The long power cuts are making it difficult for me to carry out my regular activities”, added Amrita.

Delayed Response

Nikita Bachani, another resident, said, “Authorities have not given us proper response. We are being informed through the WhatsApp group, but there is no appropriate response from the MSEB. We never receive a proper update. The MSEB has assured our Society that there will be no problem for 2 -3 months. However, we are facing trouble”.

“We are not able to access good drinking water. There is a major mosquito issue in the area. I could not sleep in the night. I know people who have slept in their cars”, said Nikita.

‘Had to Buy Bisleri Water’

Vickey Bachani said, ” We have been informed that there will be a power cut. We have been facing a power cut for four days. Yesterday, they said that there is a power cut as they are resolving the issues.”

“It is getting difficult to work from home; there is no water. I am buying Bisleri every day to drink water,” added Vickey.

Speaking to Punekarnews, Deputy Engineer Vasant Honrao, MSEDCL said, “The electricity went off after the RMU blasted three days ago. Post which, we have arranged alternate supply for the society members. Therefore they were told not to switch on heavy appliances. We are looking into the matter, and the issue will be fixed by tonight”.