Pune: MSEDCL Urges Ganesh Utsav Mandals to Obtain Official Power Connections for Safety

Pune, 3rd September 2024: Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) is providing temporary new power connections to public organizations during this year’s Ganesh festival. Electricity bills are being charged at domestic rates for festivals of all religions. Therefore, MSEDCL has requested that public Ganesh Utsav Mandals obtain official temporary power connections. All Ganesh Utsav Mandal office bearers should keep the mobile numbers of MSEDCL engineers and staff in their respective areas to prevent potential hazards, such as short circuits or electrical wiring failures, during the Ganesh Utsav.

Additionally, in case of an emergency, the Pune zone has provided a special contact number, 7875767123, for the ten days of the festival for Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad city, as well as Ambegaon, Junnar, Maval, Khed, Mulshi, Velhe, and Haveli talukas. Apart from this, one can contact the usual toll-free numbers 1912, 18002123435, or 18002333435. Ganesh Mandals should take proper care of the power system to avoid potential hazards, as there is a possibility of rain during the festival. Electrical arrangements and setups for pavilions and lighting must be done by authorized electrical contractors only. Ensure that the earthing of the electrical system in the Ganesh Utsav Mandap is in good condition.

If the insulation of wires inside the mandap is damaged, current may flow through such wires into metal sheets or wet objects. To prevent this, wires should be properly insulated, or connections should be covered with suitable insulation tape. Make sure to place plywood or wooden boards behind the switchboard. Care should also be taken to ensure that low-pressure and high-pressure power lines, transformers, feeder pillars, and other systems are not touched by the Ganeshotsav decorations or the procession.

Action will be taken under the Electricity Act of 2003 if Ganesh Mandals use unauthorized electricity. It is essential to have separate neutral connections for power supply and generators during Ganesh Utsav. If the generator is started when the power supply is off, the current from the generator can flow into the low-voltage line due to a shared neutral, posing a risk of a fatal accident. MSEDCL has also requested that, due to continuous rain and strong winds, daily inspections be conducted to ensure that the lighting wires installed in public places, including the mandap, are not sagging or disturbed.