Nagpurians continue to bear the consequences of negligent execution of utility works by contractors engaged by various government agencies. This time, damage to an underground high-tension power cable left thousands of residents in Futala and Bharat Nagar without electricity for nearly 28 hours.
According to Corporator Abhijeet Jha, an Orange City Water (OCW) team was conducting testing of a newly laid pipeline and a camera inspection system in the Old Futala area when it allegedly damaged the underground power cable. The incident triggered an immediate power outage, affecting thousands of consumers in the adjoining Amravati Road belt.
The prolonged disruption severely impacted daily life, water supply, commercial establishments, small businesses and other essential services. Residents were forced to spend an entire night without electricity amid hot and humid weather conditions. Senior citizens, patients, children and students faced considerable hardship, while several businesses reportedly suffered financial losses. The incident sparked widespread public anger over the manner in which critical infrastructure works are being carried out in the city.
Jha said, “It is the fundamental responsibility of any executing agency to obtain accurate information about underground power, water and other utility networks before commencing any work. Because of a single lapse, thousands of residents were left without electricity for nearly 28 hours. This is not merely a technical failure but a serious compromise of public safety and essential services.”
He further alleged that OCW attempted to downplay the incident and avoid responsibility after the damage occurred. Jha demanded that the Nagpur Municipal Corporation and OCW administration explain how the incident took place and identify those responsible. He stressed that agencies entrusted with public utility services must maintain the highest standards of planning, coordination and safety.
Seeking strict action, Jha has urged Municipal Commissioner Dr Vipin Itankar to order a detailed inquiry into the incident and fix accountability. He also called for disciplinary and punitive action against the officers, contractors and agencies found responsible for the lapse. Additionally, he demanded the implementation of robust safety protocols, stronger inter-departmental coordination and clear accountability mechanisms to prevent similar incidents in the future.
👉 Click here to read the latest Gujarat news on TheLiveAhmedabad.com