Pipeline damage disrupts gas supply to Mulund and Thane's Kopri; MGL working to restore services

MGL engineers repairing gas pipeline in this file photo. Pic/Nimesh Dave

Residents of Mulund East, Mulund West, and parts of Thane have been hit by an unexpected gas supply disruption due to damage to a Mahanagar Gas Ltd. (MGL) pipeline. The incident, which occurred at 8:00 AM on September 7, 2023, has led to an immediate halt in gas supply to these affected regions.

In an official statement, MGL authorities have confirmed the pipeline damage and are working to address the issue. They estimate that gas services will be restored around 4:00 PM.

Also read: Mumbai weather update: IMD issues green alert till Sept 9, yellow for Sunday

While expressing regret for the inconvenience caused to its customers, MGL has urged residents in the affected areas to cooperate and remain patient during this period.

Residents who are experiencing gas service interruptions in these specified areas are advised to contact MGL's new 24x7 Emergency Service numbers for assistance with gas leaks, gas stoppages, or fire complaints. The emergency numbers are 18002669944 (Toll-free), (022)-68759400, and (022)-24012400.

As per reports, the damage to the pipeline was caused due to incessant rains in the region.

According to the IMD's forecast, beginning on September 7, widespread rainfall is expected in all regions of Maharashtra, including North Konkan, South Konkan, Goa, North Central Maharashtra, Marathwada, East Vidarbha, and West Vidarbha. Interestingly, Mumbai was under a green alert on Wednesday, but in the 24-hour period ending on the morning of September 6, the Santacruz weather station recorded a mere 0.1 mm of rainfall, while the Colaba observatory reported no rainfall.

In light of this anticipated shift in weather patterns, Rajesh Kapadia, author of the private weather blog Vagaries of the Weather, remarked, "The monsoon is turning active, and much-needed rainfall is expected across most parts of the country in the coming days. Rainfall is expected to intensify around September 8 in the Mumbai region, with moderate rain and occasional heavy showers likely over the weekend on September 9 and September 10. There is also a possibility of thunderstorms."

Sushma Nair, a scientist at IMD's Mumbai Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Colaba, said, "Over the next week, the city is likely to experience moderate-intensity rainfall. While the rainfall is not expected to be heavy, it should provide some relief from the dry spell experienced throughout August." The low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal will move inland starting from September 7, gradually weakening and shifting westward.

Owing to the low pressure in the north Bay of Bengal, westerly winds will strengthen, enhancing the rain activity over Mumbai and adjoining coastal areas during this week. However, the intensity of rains in Mumbai and adjoining areas will not be as strong as the other regions of the state."