Pune : With the Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj and Sant Tukaram Maharaj Palkhi processions just days away, MSEDCL is putting stringent measures in place to ensure seamless safety and power supply. MSEDCL Director (Operations), Dhananjay Aundhekar, chaired a comprehensive review meeting in Pune to assess electrical safety along the entire procession route, resting points, and stay locations. Aundhekar issued strict directives to senior officials to conduct immediate “walk-down” surveys and complete thorough electrical safety audits, emphasizing that no negligence or compromise on safety will be tolerated during the Ashadhi Wari.

The review meeting, held at the ‘Prakashbhavan’ auditorium in Ganeshkhind, was attended by key officials including Chief Engineers Ankur Kavale and Sunil Kakade, Superintending Engineers Dnyandev Padalkar, Sinhajirao Gaikwad, Suresh Sawairam, and Sanjay Waghmare, alongside all executive and sub-divisional engineers.

Infrastructure Upgrades and Emergency Preparedness

Given the massive crowds expected to gather for the darshan of Mauli’s padukas, Aundhekar emphasized that securing the power infrastructure is a sacred duty, viewing it as an opportunity for “service to Mauli.” To eliminate hazards, he ordered the installation of shockproof FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastic) fencing around all roadside transformers. Additionally, power lines running over the procession paths are to be heightened and secured with proper safety guarding nets underneath. To ensure uninterrupted power at stay locations, backup power mechanisms and emergency response systems must remain fully functional and ready.

Strict Action Warned Against Negligent Outages

Reviewing the power supply performance of the Pune zone over the last three months, Director Aundhekar expressed strong displeasure over instances of prolonged power outages in certain pockets. Issuing a stern ultimatum to the responsible engineers, he noted that power interruptions cause immense distress to consumers and lead to significant revenue losses for MSEDCL. While he provided technical guidance to resolve operational hurdles, he made it clear that any future lapses or negligence by officials and staff resulting in power disruptions would face direct and immediate disciplinary action.