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Monsoon Havoc: Chennai Power Grid Fails
18 Oct
Summary
- Northeast monsoon rains caused widespread power outages across Chennai neighborhoods.
- Koyambedu wholesale market faced lengthy power disruptions impacting businesses.
- Residents reported dangerous overhead cables and underground cable faults.
The initial heavy rains of the northeast monsoon in Chennai have revealed significant maintenance shortcomings by the Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation (TNPDCL). Numerous neighborhoods were plunged into darkness starting Saturday night, with power supply to the crucial Koyambedu wholesale market remaining cut off until Sunday evening. This disruption severely impacted fruit vendors, who faced storage and lighting challenges ahead of Ayudha Puja celebrations.
While officials cited damaged underground cables as the cause, traders lamented the recurring issues and the ongoing dispute between the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) and TNPDCL regarding the replacement of aging infrastructure. Other areas like Pulianthope, Gopalapuram, T Nagar, and Mambalam also experienced extended power cuts due to various cable faults and transformer issues. Some areas faced outages caused by trees falling on overhead lines, while others reported concerningly low-hanging wires and smoke emanating from underground cables.
