Pune: Handewadi Residents Warn Of Agitation Against MSEDCL’s Delayed And Unfulfilled Promises
Pune: Handewadi Residents Warn Of Agitation Against MSEDCL's Delayed And Unfulfilled Promises
Pune, June 2, 2026: Residents of Autade-Handewadi have warned of launching another intense public protest against the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) if they fail to fulfill the assurances given to improve electricity infrastructure and power supply.
Thousands of residents are upset over the delay in implementing commitments made by MSEDCL officials following a large-scale protest held on May 8 and 9. The MSEDCL had then assured the residents in writing that several pending infrastructure works and improvements would be completed by May 30, 2026. However, residents claim that many of these works remain unfinished even after the deadline. MSEDCL has assured to complete the works by May 25, 2026.
The Autade Handewadi area has been grappling with frequent power outages and voltage fluctuations for several years. This is adversely affecting residents of the area.
Isha Arora, a resident of the area said, “Residents had temporarily suspended their agitation after trusting the assurances given by MSEDCL. However, the continued delay has eroded that trust and increased public frustration.”
Voice of Handewadi further alleged that MSEDCL installed a Ring Main Unit (RMU) in the area and even held an inauguration ceremony involving local residents recently. However, the required back-feed power supply has still not been activated, rendering the infrastructure ineffective.
Another resident and member of the group, Vinod Shinde stated that if visible progress, concrete action and official updates on the pending works are not provided within the next four days, residents will launch a more aggressive agitation than the one held in May 2026.
Another member, Ashish Ingale, said the protest would not remain limited to the local level and that residents would take their grievances directly to senior MSEDCL officials at the Rasta Peth office. The group also plans to publicly identify officials responsible for delays and launch a sustained campaign demanding accountability.
Representatives of Voice of Handewadi alleged that instead of resolving the power crisis, MSEDCL officials made promises merely to pacify residents and delay further protests. The organisation claimed that multiple meetings have been held with officials, but no tangible progress has been made so far.
