Though it may seem that load shedding has become a thing of the past, for the residents of certain areas in Mumbai namely the entire stretch from Ghatkopar to Mulund, Powai, Thane, New Bombay, etc there is no escape. Residents here say that constant power cuts in the area have forced them to live in the dark.Last year, the gap between the demand and supply of power had created unrest through out the state and Mumbai was no exception. “As against the 12,000 MW demand, the power generation is only 9,500 MW. Due to this 2,500 MW shortfall we have to opt for load shedding,” said MSEDCL, managing director, Sanjay Bhatia back in September’05.
The bad news is that load shedding shall continue for an indefinite period now and if anything, this gap has only widened today.
“Power cuts stretch to as long as 8 to 16 hours and that happens at least three to four days a week,” said Wahid Sheikh, a resident. Another resident Sachin Bhagat complained, “The power cuts are also affecting our daily lives. With no electricity, there is no water supply and we are unable to store anything in the fridge too. Many a time, there has been no electricity for over 14 hours. I don’t know how long this is going to last,” said he.
“There will be no respite from load shedding being experienced in the city and rest of Maharashtra. Power cuts will continue in the state including the twin city, Navi Mumbai. However, there may be a slight reduction in the load shedding hours in the future. There is a huge gap in demand against production and the state is still reeling under a shortfall in power,” said MSEDCL, chief public relation officer (CPRO), Ram Dotonde, while confirming the much-feared situation to Haftamag.
Replying to a query on when the load shedding would end, Dotonde said, “The problem will continue at least till next year. However, the commissioning of a number of new power-generation units in the state would be completed by December 2006, but this does not mean the end to load shedding. The load shedding hours may be reduced in different parts of the state depending upon the availability of power. But, there is no immediate relief as the demand for power is increasing.”
Sigh! So the bottom line is that residents of the city have to bare the brunt of darkness indefinitely and many a cribbing & crying about uncomfortable times, huge loss in business and beating boredom has been done and has fallen into deaf ears.
The brighter side
It’s typical winter weather, complete with bleak mornings, boring afternoons and gloomy evenings but to add to it is the inevitable power cuts. Now that load shedding has become a part and parcel of many a Mumbaikar’s life, the mantra that most have adopted is if one can’t beat it, then at least learn to live with it. So, what does one do to beat the dreariness of load- shedding? It is interesting note how the residents of Mumbai have chanced upon some innovative ways to bare the burden of load shedding.
Informs Rishikesh Kumar, a retired gentleman residing in Powai, “I have made it a habit to take long walks as the climate is pleasant early in the morning. My son and daughter-in-law are busy getting ready for office at this time, so I do not like to stay at home and disturb them.” Powai faces load shedding between 7am and 8 am and many like Kumar choose to jog or walk. “It’s healthy to inhale the fresh morning breeze and by the time I come back, the power is restored for me to catch up with the morning news on TV,” adds Kumar.
So if morning walks are a pastime, what are residents facing afternoon power cuts upto?
Nisha Viren Gupte, a resident of Vasant Vihar, Thane, says, “I generally just doze off as it’s post lunch time and there’s really nothing much to do even in the kitchen. Since television is my only pass time, I have to miss my daily soaps, but can’t help it.” The power in this area of Thane is cut from 1 pm to 4 pm everyday.
While some like Gupte find it appropriate to doze off, some others prefer catching up with their neighbours. Malati Bakshi and Pooja Trivedi, residents of sector 17, Vashi get together for a long chat. “We sit on the stairs in our building and just gossip about everyone in the world,” giggles Bakshi while Trivedi adds, “It’s the best activity, keeps us informed about the neighbourhood and sometimes we get so engrossed that we don’t even realize that the power is restored.”
It’s 6 pm, the kids are back from school and yes! It’s playtime. Shadowy trees silhouetted against the setting sun is also a perfect backdrop for ‘planchit.’ School kids here in sector Veena Nagar, Mulund, find a rather innovative way to pass their time as they face the evening power cuts. “Four of us creep into our terrace silently and do planchit. We light candles around us for minimum requirement. It’s really exciting. Everyday we call one spirit. Today, we are planning to call the spirit of Gabbar Singh,” enthuses Ranjitha Rokade, a class 6 student. If children are having a ball during these power cuts, can the adults be left far behind? Says Amit Nadkarni, a resident Cyprus, Mulund; “It’s not possible to stay put at home in the evening as it gets hot and sweaty. So, my dad and I do for walks along with our pet dog Phujo.” Residents of Cyprus here take walks by the hillside (Yogi Hill that overlook the area), sit in groups and chat, play with their pets, etc. to pass a couple of hour’s time of power cut before they get home to dine and retire for the day.
So, here’s to the residents of Mumbai who have found interesting methods to get the better of the power cuts. And if all of the above ideas are not your cup of tea, then may be it’s time to explore.
Also by surya
- Quizzing - Passion, art and career - August 24th, 2007
- Disabled by the system - June 20th, 2007
- Broken People - April 29th, 2007
- Alone in the City - January 16th, 2007
- A Different Love - December 4th, 2006