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This is an archive article published on March 19, 2021

Power utility snaps supply to private agency running Covid jumbo hospital, civic body stops water to 5 MSEDCL premises

The PMC has decided to restart the jumbo Covid hospital due to a surge in Covid-19 cases in the city. The hospital stopped patient admissions from January 15 after cases reduced even though the contract for the hospital was till February 6.

Pune news, Pune city news, Pune covid-19 news, Pune covid beds, PMC Covid beds, Pune city coronavirus updateThe Covid-19 surge in the city has put pressure on the civic administration to provide beds for patients.

THE PUNE Municipal Corporation (PMC) and Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (MSEDCL) were at loggerheads on Friday after the power utility discontinued supply to the office of the private company that built the infrastructure for the jumbo Covid hospital at College of Engineering Pune due to unpaid dues of Rs 6 lakh. The PMC hit back by discontinuing water supply to the five premises of MSEDCL.

The PMC has decided to restart the jumbo Covid hospital due to a surge in Covid-19 cases in the city. The hospital stopped patient admissions from January 15 after cases reduced even though the contract for the hospital was till February 6.

Last week, the administration decided to restart the hospital by extending the contract for three more months. The structural and electrical audit of the jumbo hospital was conducted by IIT Delhi that gave a favourable review of the structure.

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The PMC has started the process to restart the jumbo hospital and issued directions to various private agencies involved to make it work like before. Accordingly, the repair and maintenance work of the hospital is on. “The jumbo hospital will be functional by next week,” said Rajendra Muthe, deputy municipal commissioner.

Meanwhile, MSEDCL, which has undertaken a drive to cut power connection to customers with heavy dues, also took action on the agency that set up the hospital infrastructure.

“The MSEDCL has not disconnected the power supply of the jumbo hospital. The office of Deepali Designers, also located inside CoEP, was discontinued due to pending dues of Rs 6 lakh. However, the PMC informed that the agency has been appointed to run the Covid control room so the supply was restored immediately,” said Nishikant Raut, public relations officer of MSEDCL.

A PMC officer said the MSEDCL was acting tough on the jumbo hospital through this action. “The MSEDCL has failed to clear water bills. Thus, the PMC discontinued its water supply. The civic body did not act tough despite long pending dues, but it was wrong of MSEDCL to act against the agency working for the PMC at the jumbo hospital,” he said, adding the power supply had been restored and now the PMC would also restore water supply.

Ajay Jadhav is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, Pune. With over 22 years of experience in the industry, he is a highly specialized journalist whose work focuses on the intersection of urban infrastructure, governance, and sustainability. Professional Background  Role: As Assistant Editor, he plays a key role in the editorial direction of the Pune bureau, specializing in urban policy and its direct impact on citizens. Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Communication and Journalism from Savitribai Phule Pune University and a PG Diploma in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). He also studied at the prestigious Fergusson College. Impactful Reporting: He is credited with research-based articles on conservancy staff (waste workers) that influenced national policy for better working conditions. He is also known for exposing the contrast between high-end infrastructure (like helipads for leaders) and the lack of basic amenities like schools in their home districts. Personal Interests: An avid trekker and sports enthusiast, his personal interest in the outdoors often informs his reporting on environmental protection and sustainable development. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) His reporting in late 2025 has been dominated by the upcoming January 2026 Civic Polls in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, and the city's infrastructure boom: 1. Political Analysis (Civic Elections 2026) "Not friendly but a bitter fight lies ahead between BJP and NCP for PMC, PCMC" (Dec 22, 2025): A detailed look at the intense rivalry between the Mahayuti partners as they prepare for the January 15 municipal elections. "Pune civic polls: Big blow to NCP, NCP(SP) as leaders switch to BJP" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on high-profile poaching and party-hopping ahead of the elections. "Ajit Pawar's NCP continues domination in Pune, wins 10 of 17 local bodies" (Dec 21, 2025): Analyzing the results of the local self-government body elections as a precursor to the main civic polls. 2. Infrastructure & Urban Development "Looking Ahead at 2026: Pune to see inauguration of much-awaited Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar metro route" (Dec 22, 2025): An "outlook" piece on the critical Metro Line 3 project expected to finish by March 2026. "Building Pune: PMC to construct double-decker bridge over Mula-Mutha River" (Dec 18, 2025): Detailing a major project aimed at easing traffic between Hadapsar and Kharadi.  "Condition of highway from Pune to Kolhapur to improve in a year: Gadkari" (Dec 4, 2025): Reporting on the Union Minister’s assurances regarding one of the state's most critical transport corridors. 3. Civic Governance & Environment "Install sensors, LED indicators at construction sites within 15 days: PMC to builders" (Dec 16, 2025): A follow-up to the "Breathless Pune" series, reporting on new mandates for builders to monitor air quality in real-time. "Errors in electoral rolls: PMC corrects data of 92,466 voters" (Dec 16, 2025): Tracking the administrative efforts to clean up the voter lists before the 2026 elections. Signature Style Ajay Jadhav is known for accountability journalism. His work often bridges the gap between high-level policy and the "ground zero" reality of Pune's residents. He is particularly focused on Sustainable Development, ensuring that as Pune grows into a "Bharat Mandapam" style destination (referring to his report on the Lohegaon project), its environmental and social safeguards remain intact. X (Twitter): @ajay_khape ... Read More


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