On Oct 8, dandiya enthusiasts from over 40 buildings in Mahavir Nagar, Kandivli (W) were all set to dance to foot-tapping music at 10 pm.

Unfortunately, they had just started getting in the mood when there was a blackout and their music system and lights went out due to the power cut. Residents of the society had planned to play dandiya till late night but started losing hope.

However, in true festive spirit, some enthusiastic dandiya players from Kamala Vihar Society decided not to give up. They promptly arranged the cars of the society in a circle and within minutes the stereo system from one of the cars was blaring and the headlights had lit the entire area.

Dina Shah, a resident of Kamala Vihar Society, says, We had pre-planned the entire event along with arrangements for snacks and cold-drinks. But the lights went off an hour before we started playing dandiya. We thought that all our arrangements would go waste.

She adds, But we did not give up as next day was a holiday and all of us were in festive mood. So we put on the headlights of two cars along with the music system.

Shah says that by the time the power was restored at around 12.30 am, the deadline for loudspeakers was already over. She adds that there was a power cut again between 2 to 3.30 am.

maladtoborivli@mid-day.com

Power cuts are frequent problem

Residents of Mahavir Nagar complain that the area has been witnessing power cuts since the last one-and-a-half year.

Atul Meghani, a resident of Ekta Bhoomi, says, We have complained to Reliance Energy but the situation has not improved. Officials say there are faults at certain areas, which will be taken care of. He adds, It is a problem for senior citizens as they have to wait downstairs when the electricity goes. After all they cant climb so many floors as most of the buildings here are high-rises.

A resident from Kamala Vihar society says, Our committee members approached the Kandivli power station of Reliance Energy and we were told that there is an over load on the existing supply resulting in power cuts.

They also said they might have to build a new station for Mahavir Nagar. He further adds that officials said they will install a substation if the residents look for a plot.

Official speak

When contacted Reliance spokesperson, Vivek Devasthali says that it was because of some BMC work on the road that a high voltage wire had got damaged leading to the power cut.

We repaired it in time so that people were not troubled in the festive period. We also continued the repair work on Oct 9, he says.