Navi Mumbai: Around 100 villages and tribal hamlets in Panvel faced a nine-hour blackout between Thursday night and Friday morning as the power supply network of 22KV high-tension line at Nere was damaged during excavation work for laying a Mahanagar Gas Ltd pipeline along the Akurli-Sukapur stretch.Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd could not restore power supply immediately in the absence of alternatives. Power was restored at 5.45am Friday.The power distribution company has threatened to initiate action against the MGL contactor over the serious lapse following massive public pressure.It can be noted that excavation work to lay MGL pipelines is ongoing in various areas of Panvel taluka. However, lack of coordination between the two agencies has been taking a toll on the citizens, in terms of road blockades, traffic jams and power outages among others. The power cut amid the scorching summer heat had resulted in public frustration.
