Nagpur is gearing up for a critical administrative period as the Maharashtra State Legislature's Winter Session is set to commence on December 8. To ensure seamless proceedings, the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has gone on high alert, implementing stringent measures to prevent any power supply disruption in the city.
Strict Ban on Excavation Work to Protect Power Grid
The power utility has issued a firm directive to all government agencies, contractors, and citizens, prohibiting any road digging activity in the days leading up to and during the legislative session. MSEDCL officials have warned that even a minor lapse during excavation could trigger major power outages, particularly in sensitive VVIP areas. This precaution is vital as a significant portion of the city's electricity infrastructure is laid underground and remains highly vulnerable to accidental damage from heavy machinery.
Nagpur, serving as the state's second capital, transforms into a hub of political activity during the session, hosting thousands of officials, legislators, and dignitaries. An uninterrupted power supply is not just a convenience but an essential requirement for administrative functioning and robust security arrangements during this time.
Heightened Vigilance in Key Administrative Zones
MSEDCL has significantly bolstered its grid management and maintenance in crucial VVIP locations across the city. These include the Legislature complex, Zero Mile, Raj Bhavan, Ramgiri, Devgiri, Ravi Bhavan, Nag Bhavan, MLA Hostel, New Hyderabad House, the Chief Minister's Secretariat, the 160-room block, and the Ladies Club. Technical checks and maintenance in these zones have been completed, with special attention given to ensuring backup power systems are fully operational.
To guarantee reliability, the main power supply system has been activated wherever feasible. This system allows for the automatic switching of circuits if a fault is detected on a particular line, minimizing downtime. Furthermore, MSEDCL has deployed technical teams to work round the clock, ensuring an immediate response to any electrical emergency that may arise.
Coordinated Efforts Amid Ongoing Infrastructure Projects
The directive comes at a time when Nagpur is witnessing multiple simultaneous development projects. Key agencies like MahaMetro, the Public Works Department (PWD), the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), and the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), along with various telecom and private utility companies, are actively engaged in work that typically involves excavation.
MSEDCL has clarified that if digging is absolutely unavoidable due to a genuine emergency, the concerned department must provide prior intimation to the distribution company. This coordinated planning is deemed essential to prevent cable damage, reduce response time for repairs, and avoid inconvenience to both citizens and the visiting people's representatives.
Senior MSEDCL officials, including Chief Engineer Dilip Dodke, Superintendent Engineer Amit Paranjpe, and Executive Engineers Rahul Jivtode and Dhammadip Phulzade, have personally inspected key substations in areas like Shankar Nagar, Dhantoli, and Civil Lines. Their inspections focused on reviewing preparedness and instructing ground staff to maintain the highest level of vigilance throughout the session period.
