Mumbai: Dongri residents get relief from three years of power cuts after cable replacement

Within weeks of mid-day highlighting the issue, authorities visited the locality and began replacing ageing and overloaded power cables serving the building. PicsBy Special Arrangement

For nearly three years, several lanes in Dongri faced recurring outages, particularly during the summer months. Residents said repeated complaints made since 2023 failed to yield results, leaving households, students, senior citizens, and businesses struggling through prolonged blackouts.

Within weeks of mid-day highlighting the issue, authorities visited the locality and began replacing ageing and overloaded power cables serving the building.

Residents say the situation has improved significantly since the work was completed.

Quick view

Location: Ellam Mansion, Dongri
Problem: Frequent power outages
Duration: Nearly three years
Complaints raised: Since 2023
Main reason cited: Overloaded power cables
Action taken: Replacement of ageing cables
Result: Significant reduction in outages

Residents' questions remain

While welcoming the solution, residents say some concerns remain unanswered. "When we asked again as to the reason for these frequent outages, they just said overload. We don't understand, if there are so many problems of overloading, why don't they find out and cut illegal connections?" questioned Malkani.

What residents endured

. Daily and nightly power cuts
. Disruption to studies during examination periods
. Difficulties for senior citizens
. Losses for small businesses and shops
. Inconvenience during peak summer months

What residents want now

. Regular inspection of power infrastructure
. Preventive maintenance of cables and equipment
. Greater transparency on causes of outages
. Action against illegal electricity connections, if found

Voice of residents

Aslam Malkani, resident
‘We had almost given up hope. Power cuts had become a daily affair, especially in the evenings and late at night. The situation changed after mid-day, highlighting our plight a few days back. Within weeks of the story being published, authorities visited our building and initiated work to replace ageing and overloaded power cables in our building.'

Ashfaque Ahmed Anwer Ahmed, resident
‘There were days when electricity would go off for hours. The new cables have made a huge difference, and we have not experienced any major interruptions since the work was completed.'

Yusuf Merchant, shopkeeper
‘Our businesses suffered due to frequent outages. We thank mid-day for bringing attention to the issue and helping secure a lasting solution.'