With no more outages, Thiruvika Nagar residents feel 'empowered' now

The Assembly segment of Thiruvika Nagar in Tamil Nadu has achieved a remarkable status of being free from power outages. This constituency has been prompted by the rapid growth of Chennai, encompassing various areas such as Pulianthoppu, Otteri, Egmore, Purasawalkam and Choolai.

The locality, representing the essence of old Chennai, consists of numerous narrow streets and is characterised by several low-lying regions. Consequently, flooding during the rainy season is a common occurrence. So power cuts were also rampant during monsoons. However, for the past two years, this particular block - Thiruvika Nagar - has been free from any power outages.

Amul, a resident of this locality, remarks, "Our area is home to around 300 families. Previously, we frequently experienced power interruptions, causing prolonged disruptions. It made it challenging for the children to attend school. However, all those issues have vanished now. We haven't encountered a single power cut in our area over the past two years."

A youth Gautham shares a similar viewpoint. He is the proprietor of a laundry shop and affirms that the Electricity Department has undertaken numerous initiatives in these two years to make the area free of power outages.

Krishna Das has been staying in Somasundaram Nagar for the last 35 years. Das recollects a time when frequent power outages and subsequent power cuts were prevalent three years ago. However, for the past two years, there have been no power cuts in his vicinity as a new transformer has been installed right in front of his house.

C. Jayachandran, an Executive Engineer in the Egmore division of this constituency, states, "Our division caters to nearly 74,441 power connections. We ensure the provision of electricity to all these connections through four substations."

"Considering the heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding experienced in our area during the previous administration, we took preventive measures this year. Specifically, we installed at least 194 electrical junction boxes positioned over 3 feet above the ground prior to the rainy season. Consequently, these electrical boxes remained undamaged even during the floods, and we ensured an uninterrupted power supply, added Jayachandran.

He said that the outdated transformers have been replaced with Ring Main Units (RMUs). During the installation process, the precautionary measure was taken into account instead of lowering the issues to the ground. As a result, even during the heavy rainfall in 2022, the corporation ensured that there were no power cuts throughout the day.

"Under the current administration, we have obtained permission to establish new substations, and the work is currently underway. This development will enable us to provide uninterrupted electricity service for an additional 5 years without any issues," Jayachandran states.

To mitigate the impact of high floodwater accumulation during the monsoons, 24 pillars and 59 pillar boxes were elevated. Similarly, in other areas, the height of 34 pillars were increased. Additionally, 10 new transformers were installed.

Regarding the power sector's development initiatives in his constituency, local MLA Thayakam Kavi said, "Since assuming office as the Chief Minister, M.K. Stalin has been modernising the power sector. He appointed a dedicated Zonal Officer for each Assembly constituency, led by Minister Senthil Balaji."

"These officials have issued orders to diligently monitor and promptly address all complaints related to electrical services within their constituency. Consequently, any issue that arises is immediately escalated to higher authorities, showcasing a commendable initiative," he explained.

Deliberating on the topic, Kavi stated, "With the advent of this government, we have undertaken the replacement of 350 meters of underground power lines with new ones in ward number 21 of my constituency. It is worth mentioning that these wires were several years old."

"I appealed to the Assembly to replace the outdated transformers in my constituency and install RMUs instead. The Chief Minister swiftly granted his approval, and the Minister facilitated the necessary logistics. As a result, we have successfully converted all transformers in my area into RMUs. It was a monumental undertaking," he remarked.