On April 15, 2025, a major fire caused by garbage dumping in a stream trench near the Alandi-Kalas Road led to the destruction of eight underground 22 kV power lines of Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL). The incident resulted in a widespread power outage affecting approximately 1.42 lakh residents across Pune, including Vishrantwadi, Dighi, Dhanori, Lohgaon, Kalas, and Lohegaon.
The fire broke out around 2:30 am near the GREF Center, where continuous dumping of waste in the trench had created a hazardous situation over time. As the flames spread, MSEDCL promptly cut off power to prevent further damage. Firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze by 3 am, but the damage to the power infrastructure caused a significant outage.
Restoration efforts began immediately, with power gradually being restored to about 1.15 lakh consumers by 5 am. However, load limitations on backup lines delayed full recovery, leaving around 27,000 residents without electricity until midday. Teams of contractors and engineers worked tirelessly to replace damaged cables, provide joints, and restore the entire system by 12:30 pm.
The incident has raised concerns among residents and officials about unchecked garbage dumping near vital electrical infrastructure. Authorities have urged citizens to avoid dumping waste in stream trenches and near power lines to prevent similar incidents in the future.
This fire is part of a series of recent power disruptions caused by garbage fires and electrical faults in Pune, exacerbated by rising temperatures and increasing waste dumping near critical infrastructure. The Pune MSEDCL continues to monitor and address these hazards to ensure stable power supply.
