10 June,2026 06:39 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
MSEDCL officials assured the Shiv Sena delegation that immediate corrective measures would be taken. Representational Pic/File
Shiv Sena workers held demonstrations outside Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Co. Ltd. (MSEDCL) offices in Airoli and Belapur on Wednesday, protesting against persistent electricity supply problems in parts of Navi Mumbai, reported the PTI.
The agitation was organised under the leadership of Thane MP Naresh Mhaske, who said residents had been facing repeated power cuts and inadequate electricity infrastructure despite living in a planned urban centre.
According to a statement issued by Mhaske's office, citizens in the Airoli and Belapur Assembly constituencies have been dealing with frequent power outages, transformer breakdowns, low-voltage supply and delays in substation works, the news agency reported.
Residents, including senior citizens, women and children, have reportedly been forced to endure long hours without electricity amid soaring temperatures.
Speaking during the protest, Mhaske said it was unacceptable for Navi Mumbai, known for its modern infrastructure and planned development, to continue facing such basic utility issues, as per the PTI.
He said the concerns of residents were directly raised with MSEDCL officials during the demonstrations.
Following the protests, MSEDCL officials assured the Shiv Sena delegation that immediate corrective measures would be taken.
Officials said separate power cables for Navi Mumbai have been ordered from Nagpur and Sindhudurg, while strict action would be taken against contractors responsible for delays or lapses. The installation of new transformers will also be prioritised to improve power supply reliability.
Shiv Sena workers submitted a memorandum outlining residents' grievances and demanding time-bound action to resolve the ongoing electricity problems.
The party said it would continue to monitor the situation until a lasting solution is implemented.
Meanwhile, frequent power outages in Pune district and restrictions on diesel supply in portable cans have placed several small and medium-sized private hospitals under severe strain. The Indian Medical Association (IMA), Pune Branch, has sought urgent intervention from the district administration.
Hospital representatives said repeated power cuts over the past few days have forced them to rely heavily on diesel generators to run critical services.
However, many petrol pumps have reportedly refused to dispense diesel into cans due to regulatory restrictions, making emergency fuel procurement difficult. In a recent incident, a private hospital conducting surgery nearly ran out of diesel for its backup generator.
While doctors continued the procedure, staff rushed to arrange fuel, highlighting the risks posed by the situation. Patient risk Essential services such as ICUs, ventilators, dialysis units and operation theatres require uninterrupted power. Any delay in securing fuel during prolonged outages could affect patient care.
Pune and surrounding areas have nearly 850 private hospitals with around 18,000-20,000 beds, including 2000-2500 ICU beds and 750-800 ventilators. While some large hospitals use CNG or PNG-based power systems, most small and medium-sized facilities depend on Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited power supply and diesel generators during outages.
(with PTI inputs)
