Pune: Kothrud MLA and state cabinet minister Chandrakant Patil on Saturday held a meeting with MSEDCL officials to address frequent power outages in the Baner and Balewadi areas over the past few days. He directed officials to prepare both immediate and long-term plans to address the issue.Patil set a six-month deadline for commissioning two new feeders to strengthen power supply and urged authorities to expedite the process of acquiring land for a proposed power substation in the area. It was also decided that follow-up meetings would be held every month to review progress and resolve ongoing concerns.The minister told officials to prioritise all pending works and coordinate with Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and other govt agencies, especially regarding road digging permissions required for laying power cables.Residents have been facing significant hardship due to frequent outages during the peak summer season. Recurring power failures were unacceptable and the existing infrastructure was inadequate to meet the growing demand, they said. Amey Jagtap, a resident, said, “People in Baner and Balewadi are facing significant inconvenience due to frequent power interruptions. Recently, outages have increased across the area, which is unacceptable. Authorities need to address these lapses on priority. Moreover, voltage fluctuations are also damaging household electrical appliances.”Representatives present at the meeting strongly demanded accountability for delays in infrastructure projects, particularly the stalled Balewadi substation and feeder works. Sarang Wable, a local representative, said, “The residents want a time-bound action plan. We were told during the meeting that the power demand has gone up due to increase in residential and commercial activities in Baner and Balewadi areas, but no thought has been given on improving the power infrastructure. Work of Balewadi substation has not been moving ahead, the residents want the administration to take action against those responsible for delays.”The residents also proposed the formation of a joint committee, including local representatives, to ensure better coordination and faster resolution of power supply issues in the areas.
