No power, drinking water or mobile network for 40 hours in Vasai-Virar; flood-hit residents remain stranded Life in Vasai-Virar came to a standstill as floodwaters persisted for over 40 hours, leaving thousands without electricity, clean water, or internet connectivity. The deluge, which began days prior, has submerged critical infrastructure, including the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company’s main substation at Suncity in Vasai (West). Transformers, feeder pillars, and underground cables were inundated, while falling trees damaged power lines in multiple areas. To prevent electrocution risks, the power utility suspended supply in several neighborhoods, trapping residents in darkness and disconnection. The prolonged power outage disrupted mobile towers, crippling network and internet services. This has left remote workers, students, and traders reliant on digital tools stranded. Dipali Bagul, a resident of Diwanman in Vasai, described the chaos: “We lost power at 6 am on Monday. Even by Tuesday evening, electricity had not been restored. Our inverter has drained completely, and our mobile phones have run out of charge. Knee-deep water outside our house has left us stranded indoors.” The lack of power also crippled water supply systems. Electric pumps, essential for lifting water to overhead tanks in residential buildings, failed to operate, leading to severe shortages of drinking water in several housing societies. Flooded roads further exacerbated the crisis, preventing milk vans and supply trucks from reaching affected areas. As a result, residents faced shortages of milk, vegetables, and other daily necessities. Stagnant water in low-lying areas has begun to emit foul odors, raising fears of water-borne diseases.#maharashtra_state_electricity_distribution_company #suncity #diwanman #vasai_virar_municipal_corporation #nalasopara_virar_suburban_rail
Illegal Bridges Over Natural Nullah Transform East Shankar Nagar Into Polluted Drainage Zone A recent inspection of East Shankar Nagar in Nagpur revealed widespread illegal construction over a natural nullah, turning the water channel into a contaminated undercurrent. The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court had previously expressed grave concerns about infrastructure violations and lax enforcement on the Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth (PDKV) land, but the situation has worsened. A detailed survey by The Times of India found that large sections of the nullah have been sealed with concrete slabs and pipes to accommodate commercial establishments, including eateries, hostels, and liquor bars. The nullah, which flows from West Shankar Nagar through West High Court Road, was originally a vital drainage system. However, illegal bridges have been constructed at key points, such as near Bharat Lawn, to facilitate access to businesses. These structures have effectively blocked the natural flow of water, while the remaining open sections are heavily polluted. Residents report that the channel is choked with plastic waste, liquor bottles, and food debris, creating a foul-smelling environment. The nullah reappears near Kachipura slum before merging with the Nag River behind Dharampeth College. Legal directives from the Supreme Court and High Court have explicitly banned construction on nullahs, water bodies, and buffer zones to prevent urban flooding and environmental harm. Despite these orders, encroachment continues. A caretaker, Ramesh Tiwari, confirmed that concrete pipes were laid to cover the nullah, erasing its natural course.#nagpur #nagpur_improvement_trust #east_shankar_nagar #panjabrao_deshmukh_krishi_vidyapeeth #maharashtra_state_electricity_distribution_company
