24/7 power? Areas in darkness for 48 hours

24/7 power? Areas in darkness for 48 hours
TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Bangalore: Pre-poll promises of 24/7 power don’t seem to amuse Bangaloreans. For some city areas have had no power for two days, while some others have been in darkness for at least 23 hours.
Heavy rain and gusty winds on Tuesday night brought down electric poles and damaged the transformers, cutting power supply in many areas. With no power to pump water, water supply, too, has been hit. Adding to the people’s woes is the summer heat.
For instance, there has been total blackout in nearly 2,000 houses in Bismillahnagar, III Main Bannerghatta Road, since Tuesday night. Power had not been restored even till late Thursday evening. Altaf Ali’s house is a case in example. With no power, no water and no fresh air, the residents have been living in virtual hell. “It was a nightmare for two days. Water was distributed as we could not pump water. Without fans, it was unbearable. Food and milk products stored in the refrigerator have started rotting,’’ complained Altaf Ali. In fact, power supply was restored only after TOI complained to the Bescom complaint cell about Bismillahnagar’s plight.
If not two days, some areas, too, were in the dark for at least a day. Wednesday’s rain damaged electric poles in Koramangala up to 8th Block, Madivala, Sadguntepalya and Victoria Layout — they did not have power from 7 pm on Wednesday to 6.30 pm on Thursday.
“The strong winds have damaged the power network and we will need some time to repair them. If there is a pole collapse, then several lines will be damaged and power cannot be restored immediately,’’ said Bescom officials.
Water pumping was affected on Tuesday and Wednesday as there was a power failure in Somanahalli grid which had disrupted water supply in the city. Minor problems continued in the west areas as the BWSSB has not been able to meet the growing demand.
Any more poll promises?