Power supply in Navi Mumbai should be restored soon, says minister Ganesh Naik

Navi Mumbai: A significant meeting took place on Thursday at the Cidco Exhibition Centre in Vashi, chaired by minister Ganesh Naik, to work out an action plan for the electricity shortage and water-related issues in Navi Mumbai.

At the meeting, Naik instructed Mahavitaran officials to stabilise the electricity supply in Navi Mumbai. Navi Mumbaikars have been facing unscheduled power outages with the advent of summer, which resulted in protests across the city, and Naik intervened to sort the issue out.

Navi Mumbai mayor Sujata Patil, deputy mayor Dashrath Bhagat, house chief Sagar Naik, municipal commissioner Kailas Shinde, superintendent engineer of Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company (MSEDCL) D R Patil, along with senior municipal office bearers and public representatives, attended the meeting. Public representatives raised power supply concerns from their respective areas.

They stated that the MSEDCL lacks sufficient electrical equipment and cables for repair work. Naik directed MSEDCL to arrange the required manpower and electrical materials and ensure regular power supply. He also instructed officials to lodge police complaints against those who take electricity cables through hooliganism. He added that, if needed, the govt would make funds available for MSEDCL.

D R Patil said that electricity demand in Navi Mumbai has risen by 30% due to increasing heat. He noted that power interruptions have grown because breakdowns are occurring more often, particularly on LT lines. He said staffing levels for electrical workers have been increased and that 10 km of cable will be available for Navi Mumbai shortly.

Patil further said the Rabale substation will start soon, which should help in making supply stable. He also mentioned complaints that Mahavitaran officials do not answer citizens’ calls during outages, and that a local complaint registration centre will be started. Navi Mumbai residents are aghast over the frequent power outages ever since the summer began, and many complained that they are forced to spend sleepless nights.