Nagpur: In an interesting turnaround of events, the government’s Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) stunned its franchise SNDL by stepping in and taking over the Civil Lines division temporarily. Henceforth, the MSEDCL will solely operate the division till next development.
Taken aback by the sudden move, the SNDL officials, who went on strike on Tuesday, reached a settlement with its management and called off their strike late on Wednesday night. Due to the strike, many areas of the city had to go without power supply.
The Civil Lines division is now completely under MSEDCL, but the Gandhibagh and Mahal divisions, which are still under SNDL, saw employees of MSEDCL making sure the supply is regular for entire day on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the SNDL employees returned to work late on Wednesday night.
Chief engineer of MSEDCL confirmed that the MSEDCL’s workers have resumed work in Mahal and Gandhibag area. The decision was taken as both the divisions plunged in darkness. Many areas were affected as electricity kept playing hide and seek throughout night. The area that was most affected was Civil Lines as the entire locality blacked out for the night and citizens gathered in front of SNDL office situated at Bole Petrol Pump square.
The story behind all this drama had been unfolding in a very interesting way. The line staff of SNDL declared the strike at 4 pm on Tuesday. Following that, the command areas of company gradually started to plunge in darkness and the situation lasted till Wednesday night. Till Wednesday morning, many areas of the city were still without power supply.
Irked by the situation, the atmosphere became tense in Indora and Lashkaribagh areas. In Binaki and Tulsibagh areas, etc, enraged citizens ransacked the SNDL offices and its premises on Tuesday night. The scenario was similar in Kadbi Chowk, Uppalwadi, Indora, etc on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the managing director of MSEDCL reached Nagpur. He reviewed the situation in the city and in view of that, decided to take over the division immediately. The process of take-over began at 12 noon with the help of officials of Congress Nagar division. The entire drama affected approximately 1.38 lakh consumers.
The Lashkaribag and Civil Lines divisions, along with division office situated at MRS and 13 distribution centres were taken in its control by MSEDCL. The prompt action helped in restoring power supply.
It is pertinent to note here that Spanco was allotted the contract after the tender was rejected by Crompton Greaves and was floated again. Spanco began its operation from May 1, 2011. However, after its failure to pay its dues to MSEDCL the agency was embroiled in controversies. When the contract was about to be terminated, Essel Group paid approximately `3000 crore dues and took over Spanco. SNDL to get another chance: Gupta
MSEDCL managing director OP Gupta informed that the take-over has been initiated on temporary basis. The contract has the provision for the same. If the power is discontinued, MSEDCL has the power to intervene and handle the situation. As per the contract, the agency can be given 15 days” time. Hence, SNDL will be given time to improve.
