Substation fire leaves Chandigarh areas powerless

Chandigarh, April 19

Several areas in the city remained without electricity for over three hours after a fire broke out in a 66 kV substation located near the campus of the PGI.

An official of the Fire Department said the fire broke out at the substation situated outside the PGI and in front of the PU campus.

The department got a call at 6.45 pm and four fire engines were pressed into service. The fire was controlled in about 20 minutes. However, the operation lasted nearly 45 minutes, said the official.

The reason behind the fire was yet to be ascertained, he said, adding that firemen had to use water and foam to douse the flames. Before starting the operation, the Electricity Department got the main switch supplying the power turned off, he said.

The affected areas included Panjab University, Sector 14, parts of Sector 25 and Sector 15, Khuda Lahora, Khuda Ali Sher, residential campus of the PGI, and some other parts of the city.

CB Ojha, Chief Engineer, UT, said the power was restored in parts of Sector 39, PGI, Dhanas, Sector 15 and some other areas before 10 pm and employees were working on a war footing to restore the electricity supply in the remaining areas at the earliest.

Meanwhile, an official spokesperson for the PGI said a security guard on duty at Rotary Serai heard a blast and saw smoke emanating from the 66 kV substation located nearby. The guard immediately informed the Fire Control Room. Acting swiftly, the fire officer rushed to the site along with fire guards, security personnel and a fire engine of the PGI and started the firefighting operations. Meanwhile, help also came from the UT Fire Department. Simultaneously, the UT Engineering Department and the hospital administration of the PGI swung into action to ensure DG back-up supply in all critical care areas. It was also ensured that patient care services were not affected.

The fire was brought under control by 8 pm. Normal electricity supply to the institute was restored by 9.15 pm.

Though it was a major fire, fortunately there was no loss of life. However, electrical panels installed at the substation were damaged badly.

PU campus staff to report for duty at 11 am

In the wake of the major breakdown in the power grid of the Panjab University campus, the authorities have allowed the teaching and non-teaching staff residing on the PU campus, Sector 14 and 25, to report at their respective duties on Wednesday at 11 am instead of 9 am, said Vikram Nayyar, Registrar, PU.