In need of maintenance is the KSRTC Kharghar Bus stop.

The Need

The KSRTC Kharghar Bus Stop, located in Sector 7 in front of the Three Star Hotel in Kharghar, is in need of urgent maintenance and roof repairs, as expressed by the passengers who are waiting at the stop.

Residents who have endured long lines in the sweltering heat have complained that the roof in particular is troublesome since the sheets might give way and collapse at the bus stop.

A resident, who tweeted about his experience, added that the bus stop has been troubled by this issue ever since the last rainy season. He wrote, “Last year, it was pouring heavily outside, and I stood for an hour at the Kharghar bus stop in very poor condition.” In addition, there was a leak in the bus stop, which resulted in water collecting on the side and mosquito breeding grounds. Residents of Panvel Municipal Corporation are suffering greatly; local leaders must take note of this.

“Hopefully this is addressed this year before the rain begins,” he continued.

“The roof of this bus stop needs to be replaced as soon as possible and new metal sheets need to be installed in the roof,” a resident of Kharghar from the Hiranandani neighborhood stated. Moreover, they may come free and land on passengers who are seated below. I’m hoping the authorities take quick action to resolve this.

Due to excessive demand for electricity during the intense heat, Maharashtra State Electricity Transmission Co. Ltd. (Mahatransco)’s Kalwa circuit became overloaded, disrupting the delivery of electricity for as long as two hours.

The Thane neighbourhoods of Naupada, Pachpakhadi, Vikas Complex, Majiwada, Talao Pali, Colorchem, Temghar, Kalwa, etc., as well as Vashi and Mahape in Navi Mumbai, were among the impacted places.

At 2.25 pm, Mahatransco implemented the load cutting plan in response to a 3,900 MW surge in demand in Mumbai. This was caused by an overload of the 400 kV high tension Padghe Kalwa circuit 1. The MMR region’s substations were affected as load relief had to be given. Within a few hours, power was partially restored in a number of locations.

At four o’clock in the evening, power was restored to the Vashi substation, Color Chem substation, Mahape substation, Temghar substation, and Mahape substation.

Mahatransco public relations officer Dr. Milind Awate states, “Due to excessive load, we had to regulate 160 MW of electricity in Thane, Kalwa, Vashi, Colorchem, Mahape, and Temghar area.”

Awate said, “We were prepared for the possibility and had been taking the required precautions, since the meteorological agency had issued a warning about high temperatures in the area. However, the scenario was caused by an abrupt spike in power consumption in the afternoon that reached 3,900 mw in Mumbai and the surrounding area.

To show anger against frequent power cuts, Airoli residents block highway.

The Outages

For residents of Airoli, who have been suffering constant power disruptions in the sweltering heat, frustration has reached a breaking point. When angry locals blocked the Mulund Rabale highway in protest on Tuesday night, the situation worsened.

With temperatures surging past 42 degrees Celsius, the meteorological service issued a heatwave warning at the worst possible time. People have reached their breaking point as a result of the constant heat and power outages.

Residents took matters into their own hands and staged a blockage on the major route because they were frustrated with the lack of responsibility and communication from the government. Nevertheless, the demonstration was finally dispersed as a result of police action. The bulk of the power outages have affected sectors 9, 13, and 19, leaving locals both physically and figuratively in the dark. The situation of the inhabitants has gotten worse since MSEDCL representatives have not responded satisfactorily to repeated concerns.

In the meantime, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) Deputy City President Nilesh Bankhile issued a severe warning and vowed to intensify protests against MSEDCL till the power situation improved.