...and then there was light!
06 Apr 2020 09:01:45
Two kids join the nation by lighting earthen lamps in the fight against coronavirus pandemic on Sunday. (Pic by Satish Raut)
By Sagar Mohod :
NAGPURIANS rose to the occasion splendidly on Sunday in a marvelous show of solidarity in fight against COVID-19. People came out spontaneously after switching off lights in respective homes and stood in balconies, porches at the designated time in a show of unity. On appeal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the citizens lit candles, some preferred traditional earthen lamps to spread the positive light in the current negative atmosphere muddied by the outbreak of coronavirus. Again it was a showtime and citizens did not miss the opportunity to showcase their purest intentions. Some more enthusiastic in society took to streets cursing coronavirus and yelling it to go out of public space as citizens desire a break now.
The lockdown has a chilling effect, it though helped in halting community transmission to a large extent, and today's expression of solidarity put a seal of positively in the country's atmosphere. Given the pent-up feeling due to restricted movement of people, the opportunity of today came handy for some to release the bubbling energy within. So it was a showtime in many of the areas of city where crackers were burst almost the moment darkness set in as lights were dimmed for the moment. The crackling of crackers did provide a break from the monotony and at same time created a sparkle of energy up in the infinity of darkness.
The glowing light from flashes of torches, mobile lights added a shimmer to the dark night as citizens made most of the moment of solidarity to shun the negative energy. People in slums too showed enthusiasm despite the tough time they are passing through and joined the nation in show of solidarity. Politicians, social leaders, community elders, laymen, even policemen on duty could be seen holding the candle aloft. Those out on duty too did not miss the time and acted on own to shutdown for the powerful nine minutes to stand one with nation. Lane after lane, building after building, housing society after society in city was in awe of self enlightenment brought about through pulsating energy radiating from the nine minutes of light show of togetherness.
Across city as one could see, people were picture perfect, dressed to occasion for the nine minutes of time asked by Prime Minister in his appeal to nation for solidarity. Health machinery and administration is busy in their own fight against COVID-19 and with them several known, unknown faces are aiding the battle. And what else but a united show by nation of billion plus to tell those out in the midfield (front-line in battle against COVID-19), a big Thank You! And yes, the much demeaned Power Grid that was supposed to crumble, as per the 'experts', too held on!
Power grid sees variation of 3,400 MW in those 9 min The state electricity grid saw a variation of nearly 3,400 MW during the nine minutes of solidarity form citizens of Maharashtra on Sunday. The fears of blackout due to grid collapse that had hung high over announcement of Sunday remained unfounded. As per the MahaGenco portal the peak demand for today was at 6.46 hrs at 17,391 MW that included 15,865 of MSEDCL and 1526 MW of Mumbai. Though the frequency did not dip but the sudden fall due to collective action of switching of lights in one go did ensure a snap in demand for power. Maharashtra's Energy Minister Dr Nitin Raut was the control room monitoring the situation on hand.
The MSEDCL said that at 8.59 hrs the demand for power of MSEDCL was 11,436 MW and at 9.05 pm it stood at 8668 Mw. At the same time State's demand at same time was 13,610 MW and it dipped to 9,923 MW, that of Mumbai was 1,722 MW and 1,255 MW respectively at the mentioned times between shutting down and lighting-up. Around 7.30 PM today the total power demand further increased to 14,052 MW with MSEDCL drawing 12,825 MW and Mumbai taking in 1727 MW. Anticipating this variation, the officials of Energy Department had planned and accordingly power generation was rammed up from Koyna Hydel Power Station. It generated 18,30 MW while Tata Power pitched in with 402 MW to help stabilise the grid and maintain the balance between dip and upsurge. Similarly around same time coal power thermal power stations were told to back down and it will take some time before they again are connected to grid. However a study of MahaGenco's site revealed a variation of just 1800 MW between just before 9 and around 9.10 pm.