Major power outages in Chandigarh as employees go on strike against privatisation

Many residential and industrial parts of the city faced major power outages as employees of the Electricity Department went on a three-day strike from Monday night in protest against the privatisation of the department.

Most of the places have been facing snapping of power since midnight. Even elective surgeries at the Government Medical College Hospital in Sector 32 (GMCH 32) have been postponed.

“Most of the Industrial Area Phase I and II witnessed blackouts since Monday night. Officers are showing helplessness in restoring power. Hope they arrive at some solution for the next two days, ” said Chamber of Chandigarh Industries President Naveen Manglani. As per source situation may remain the same till Wednesday as 1,000 employees began a 72-hour strike on Monday night. Residents claimed that three helpline numbers set up for registering the complaints have not been responding to the calls.

Chandigarh Adviser Dharam Pal told the media they will investigate the reasons behind the power disruption. “Action will be taken against those responsible, ” he added.