MSEDCL starts providing power connections at Gond Basti on ‘humanitarian grounds’

Nagpur: Nearly a week after hundreds of residents of Siddheshwari Gond Basti in Hudkeshwar were plunged into darkness following an anti-power theft drive, Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (MSEDCL) has started restoring and issuing new electricity connections on what officials termed ‘humanitarian grounds'. However, the relief has come with a fresh burden for many families, who are now being forced to borrow money at high interest rates or mortgage gold and jewellery to clear old electricity dues. The move comes after MSEDCL faced criticism for disconnecting supply during the ongoing heatwave, when temperatures in Nagpur have been hovering around 45 degrees Celsius. The utility last week installed aerial bundled (AB) cables in the area to curb rampant electricity theft through illegal hooking, resulting in a complete blackout in the basti for several days. The incident triggered outrage among residents, who said children, elderly people and patients suffered immensely without electricity in the extreme heat. The issue was highlighted by TOI, following which local MLA Mohan Mate also wrote to MSEDCL urging the utility to provide power connections to the residents. Speaking to TOI, a senior MSEDCL official said the basti comprises around 200 shanties, of which nearly 35 had authorised electricity connections earlier. According to the official, those connections were disconnected due to nonpayment of bills, after which many residents allegedly resorted to illegal hooking for electricity supply. "Most of them used to hook electricity cables illegally. After installation of AB cables, power theft stopped completely. However, considering the humanitarian aspect, we have now started providing connections to residents who are willing to take legal connections and clear dues," the official said.Since formal land ownership documents are not available with many residents, MSEDCL has relaxed the documentation process. Residents are now being allowed to apply for connections using Aadhaar cards, an affidavit and a recommendation letter from the local MLA or corporator stating that the connection may be disconnected if any legal objection arises later. According to MSEDCL, only 19 electricity connections have been provided so far, including two old consumers who cleared their dues. Another 19 applications are currently under process. Residents, however, said the condition of clearing old bills before reconnection has become a major financial burden. Several families claimed they had to borrow money from private lenders at high interest rates, while some women mortgaged jewellery to arrange funds. "We had no option. Children were suffering in the heat and we needed electricity immediately. So we borrowed money to pay the old bill," said a resident.