20 October,2011 08:59 AM IST | | Kranti Vibhute
Daily power cuts have sent timetables across schools and colleges in the district for a toss; students affected both mentally and academically, say educationists
While it took just a day's blackout to send SoBoites into panic mode, no one seems to be bothered about the daily power cuts implemented under the pretext of load shedding in the neighbouring district of Thane.
MiD DAY spoke to teachers, professors and principals in the district to take stock of the measures implemented by their respective educational institution to tackle the menace of load shedding, which currently stands at a minimum of three hours a day.
Power hassle: Three hours of load sheddingu00a0every day has affected
residents of Thane district, and students have been on the receiving end
as it affects their academic preparations. PIC/Nimesh Dave
Generators in place
While some of the principals claimed that they had installed high-capacity generators, others said that the students had to face the heat as the generators were used only during examinations.
Neeta Dewoolkar, principal of RCT's P M M Innerwheel School and Junior College, Ambernath, said, "We purchased a high capacity generator so that the students don't face problems."
Nitin Arekar, professor of CHM College, said, "We use generators in our college, but it upsets the budget. While its minimum two or maximum four hours on normal days, on Friday, the load shedding went on for over 11 hours."
Miffed teachers
Mona Gaikwad (name changed), a teacher from an Ambernath-based school, said, "Load shedding is fine, but it's unacceptable for longer durations. Why is that only we have to suffer? Why isn't the government implementing it in Mumbai city too? With the October heat on, lack of electricity makes students restless and affects their concentration. Moreover, the generators run only for a few hours." Sujata Kale (name changed), a professor from an engineering college in Thane district, said, "The college has generators, but they cannot be kept on for longer durations as the load shedding happens frequently. Hence the generators are switched on only during examinations. Load shedding for longer durations upsets our timetable. Without electricity, we cannot even conduct practicals."
Studentspeak
According to Sameer Wagh (name changed), a student from Shelu, said, "Considering that our college is located in a greener area, it's nice and pleasant even when there is no electricity. However, we do face a little discomfort during summers."
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Song for electricity
In its bid to make the energy conservation movement smarter and more popular, RInfra, the power distribution company in Mumbai suburbs and its surrounding areas, has come up with an innovative idea of dedicating a song to the movement.
To do so, around 500 children from City International School at Andheri would be singing the 'YES' anthem and pledging to save energy.
