Protests after major power breakdown in Karachi, other cities

KARACHI: Protests erupted in Karachi and other cities after a major power breakdown hit nearly 50 per cent of Sindh due to tripping of extra high-tension transmission (EHT) lines supplying electricity from Jamshoro and Bin Qasim Power Plant.

Angry Karachiites took to the streets and blocked roads in several areas as they faced difficulties due to persistent power failure in the holy month of Ramazan. 12th breakdown in a month has exposed all the tall claims of power utility.

According to the Hesco sources, 13 districts of Sindh were without electricity due to 500kv Jamshoro EHT tripping. Hyderabad, Jamshoro, Tando Mohammad Khan, Tando Allayar, Mir pur Khas, Thatta, Sajawl were the most affected. Annoyed with the authorities, people set a Complaint Center of Hesco on fire in Mir Pur Khas.

Fault in K-Electric's Bin Qasim Power Plant EHT line tripped 15 grid stations across the city.

The EHT line tripped due to extra ordinarily high humidity levels in Karachi and its outskirts. The high amount of moisture in the air coupled with low wind factor led to reduced transmission capacity, the KE claimed in a statement.

As a result K-Electric teams were forced to manage the power shortfall through load management to ensure that the system remains intact and to avoid any major or prolonged breakdown in Karachi, it added.

The claims of the K-Electric of providing uninterrupted power supply during Sehri and Iftar were proven false as power supply to many areas of the city remained suspended creating immense problems for the faithful.

The affected localities included Defence, Defence View, Clifton, Mehmoodabad, Korangi, Landhi, Shah Faisal Colony, Malir, Khokhrapar, Mubina Town, Gadap City, Surjani Town, North Karachi, New Karachi, Buffer Zone, Shadman Town, North Nazimabad, Nazimabad, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Gulistan-e-Jauher, Federal B area, Aisha Manzil, Liaquatabad and several others.

Angry protesters blocked National Highway near Malir 15 for a few hours and dispersed only after police intervention. In Nazimabad people vandalized KE’s office forcing the staff to flee for life.