MUMBAI: A grid disturbance disrupted normal power supply in western

Maharashtra and the Konkan region and power went off for several hours in these areas. The grid disturbance, which occurred at around 4.30 p.m., resulted in cascade tripping of major power lines and generating stations in western Maharashtra. Mumbai's western suburbs, supplied power by Reliance, also suffered a blackout since a little after 4.30 p.m.

Overload

According to official sources, the 400 kV Padghe Nagothane line, which was under maintenance, was being recharged at around 4.30 p.m. when the power tripped. All the lines at Padghe tripped and due to this there was a cascading effect and the line between Padghe and Chandrapur also tripped as there was an overload. The Parli power plant was completely shut down for nearly three hours and revived in phases and other power stations at

Chandrapur, Nashik and Koradi were also affected. Koyna too experienced some problems.

While Reliance managed to restore power to Mumbai after four hours, parts of the State were still under darkness. Official sources said that power would be restored by late night in these places.

Probe panel set up

A one-man inquiry committee has been appointed to investigate this incident and give a report within three days. Shishir Tamotia, director operations of MAHATRANSCO, will conduct the inquiry. The power shutdown comes at a time when Maharashtra has been reeling under an unprecedented power shortage and from the initial 5700 MW, load shedding has decreased to 4500 MW now.

This, however, has brought no solace to consumers and farmers in the rural areas who are experiencing power cuts up to 14 hours.

Farmers' suicides

Already there are reports of farmers committing suicides after their power supply was withdrawn from Vidarbha and there have been violent protests near Nagpur. After the power failure, in Dombivli on the outskirts of Mumbai, protesters attacked the State electricity office in the night, destroying some property. Maharashtra has approved Rs. 1300 crore to buy 600 MW of power from outside the State and industries have been urged to revive their captive power plants.

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