Garbage Fire Destroys Four 33KV Cables, Power Supply Disrupted in Wathoda A fire ignited in a garbage heap near Prajapati Chowk on Sunday afternoon led to the destruction of four critical 33kV cables, causing a power outage at the 33/11kV Wathoda substation and affecting hundreds of households in the surrounding areas. The incident, reported around 1pm, highlighted the dangers of unattended waste disposal near essential infrastructure. Officials confirmed that the blaze spread rapidly, damaging four main incomer cables, including the ‘Pardi 1’ and ‘Pardi 2’ feeders, which are vital for power distribution. Emergency response teams from the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (MSEDCL) arrived at the scene promptly and initiated restoration efforts. Engineers swiftly diverted the electrical load to a 33kV mobility feeder, allowing for a phased recovery of power supply. Repair operations are currently underway on a war footing, with a private agency replacing the damaged cables, including the ‘Pardi 1/Wathoda 1’ line. Authorities are working to stabilize the power system as quickly as possible. The incident has prompted a review of safety protocols around power installations, particularly in vulnerable zones, as concerns grow over infrastructure risks during the summer months. MSEDCL has issued an advisory urging residents to adhere to electrical safety norms. The utility emphasized the importance of maintaining internal wiring in older homes to prevent short circuits and fire hazards. Residents have been advised to switch off the main power supply in case of a fire and avoid using water on electrical flames to minimize risks. The fire incident underscores the broader issue of waste management and its potential impact on critical infrastructure.#masedcl #wathoda_substation #prajapati_chowk #pardi_1 #pardi_2
