Pune Faces Power Chaos as Fires Near Electrical Infrastructure Leave 6 Lakh in the Dark
As summer temperatures soar, so does the risk of power disruptions in Pune. The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has issued a stern warning after six major fire incidents near power infrastructure left over 6.23 lakh consumers without electricity in the past month. The culprit? Burning sugarcane, grass, and garbage near critical power lines and substations.
Both urban and rural areas have seen a dangerous trend of waste—both dry and wet—being dumped near transformers, substations, and power lines. These reckless actions have not only caused prolonged outages but also put lives and infrastructure at risk.
Hotspots of Disruption
Between February 23 and March 28, five fires erupted under MahaTransco’s transmission lines in farmlands and forests, severely impacting industrial hubs like Chakan, Bhosari, and Hinjewadi. Nearly 5.96 lakh consumers in Pimpri-Chinchwad, Wakad, and Mulshi taluka endured blackouts lasting up to an hour. In a separate incident, a garbage fire near Navale Bridge damaged a key power line, cutting supply to 27,000 homes and businesses.
Despite protective fencing around transformers, people continue dumping waste inside these enclosures, attracting animals that often cause short circuits—sometimes with fatal consequences.
MSEDCL has urged citizens to stop burning or dumping waste near power installations and to report hazards via their 24/7 helplines: 1912, 18002123435, or 18002333435.
