The villagers of Shahapur rejoiced after receiving electricity for the first time in 78 years, ending decades of darkness since Independence. Power supply finally reached Varaswadi, a remote hamlet in the tribal-dominated Shahapur taluka of Maharashtra’s Thane district. Located 40 km from Shahapur and about 90 km from Thane, this small settlement had been without electricity since the country’s independence.
Ashish Roy, Deputy Executive Engineer of the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (MSEDCL), confirmed that 15 houses, with around 60 to 80 residents, have now been electrified. “A new 63 KVA transformer and 67 poles worth Rs 59.24 lakh have been installed, bringing electricity to homes and streetlights in Varaswadi,” he said.
Officials revealed that the project had been approved by the district collector two years ago. Given the hamlet’s location within a forested area, multiple permissions were required, including approvals from the forest department. The work faced additional challenges as poles had to be installed along a route with no roads.
Situated on a hillside, Varaswadi has no proper roads, making it extremely difficult to transport the transformer to the site. However, with the determined efforts of the villagers, the electrical work was eventually completed. As a result, the long-standing darkness in their homes was finally banished.
Varaswadi, located about 3 km from the nearest main road in Fugale village, erupted in celebration as electricity illuminated the community for the first time. “Our darkness has ended after 78 years. Now, we can celebrate Diwali with lights like others,” one villager expressed hope that more basic amenities and development will follow.
Residents marked this historic moment with firecrackers and loud cheers, delighted to see their homes lit up. This milestone represents a significant step towards improving the quality of life in this remote tribal settlement.
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https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/maharashtra-shahapurs-varaswadi-gets-electricity-for-the-first-time-in-78-years