Pune: The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has refuted allegations made by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) that frequent power outages have disrupted the city’s water supply schemes, calling the accusations highly irresponsible.
Upon investigation, it was found that the power supply to water supply schemes has remained consistent since July and August, even during periods of heavy rainfall.
MSEDCL clarified that disruptions at the Parvati Water Treatment Plant were due to faults and maintenance work in PMC's internal electrical systems, which were unrelated to MSEDCL.
MSEDCL has provided high-voltage express power connections for important water supply schemes, including Parvati and Tukainagar, to the Pune Municipal Corporation.
However, power interruptions were noted at the Parvati Water Treatment Plant on July 4th for 4 hours and 38 minutes and again on August 5th for 2 hours and 22 minutes, both attributed to internal issues within PMC's electrical infrastructure.
Further interruptions occurred on August 6th, when PMC conducted internal electrical repairs that required a shutdown of 6 hours and 52 minutes.
The power supply to Tukainagar was also deliberately halted by PMC on July 4th for 2 hours for maintenance purposes. MSEDCL emphasized that these incidents were not related to any failures or outages within their system.
MSEDCL also provided high-voltage power connections at locations including Khadakwasla Dam, Ganpati Math Warje, and Kakade City Warje. Minor interruptions at the Khadakwasla Water Center on August 3rd and 13th were due to issues within PMC’s internal systems, not MSEDCL.
Power outages at the Cantonment Water Supply Center in the Rastapeth division on August 22nd and 24th were similarly linked to internal faults, not MSEDCL's service.
The power supply to other key water treatment centers, including Padmavati and Chatuhshrungi, has been stable since July.
MSEDCL has taken specific measures to ensure the consistent operation of power supply to the city’s water schemes despite adverse weather conditions, including heavy rains and floods over the past two months. This effort included maintaining daily communication with relevant PMC officials via email and WhatsApp.
MSEDCL has raised concerns that inadequate maintenance and repairs by PMC are impacting MSEDCL’s power lines and equipment. It accused PMC of misleading the public by unfairly attributing responsibility for internal faults and maintenance shutdowns to MSEDCL.
MSEDCL has categorically denied the PMC's accusations, stating that upon thorough verification, the allegations were found to be baseless and incorrect.