Power failure rampant in Navi Mumbai, Thane

The summer heat and the frequent power failures are making life hell for the residents of Navi Mumbai and Thane. According to MSEDCL officials, there are minor glitches and repair works are going on at the local level, otherwise "all is well". However, major portion of the area remains dark due to the unofficial power cuts, giving thousands of Thanekars sleepless nights.

There hasn't been power in Airoli Node in Navi Mumbai since the last two days. Parts of Belapur remained in darkness on Friday night, leading to ice-making units suffering huge losses.

"Since the past one week, we have been experiencing power cuts. The heat is affecting our health, the elderly are the most affected. I feel we are being pushed back into the stone age," said Meenakshi Kohlia, a Belapur resident, who is studying by candlelight for her M Com exams.

In Thane, the residential areas of Vasant Vihar and Majiwada have been affected in a major way, while some parts experienced minor power failures for a few hours.

"Before elections we did not have any power cuts, but as soon as voting was done, we began to face the heat, literally. Netas came and went assuring us paani, bijlee and khaana, but now reality has begun to bite. Being a diabetic I need adequate sleep, but MSEDCL officials don't understand such problems, said Mukesh Sharma, a Thane resident.

On Sunday, MSEDCL engineers had started upgrading the Akola-Aurangabad line. It took then three days to finish the job. However, an MSEDCL spokesperson clarified that that had nothing to do with the power cuts.

"It's the local-level glitches occurring due to heavy load that's affecting the power supply. As soon as engineers and linemen locate the faults, they are being repaired, said Ram Dotonde, chief spokesperson, MSEDCL.