MSEDCL told to remove power infra from farm, compensate farmer

Nashik: The Nashik District Consumer Grievance Redressal Commission has ordered state power utility MSEDCL to remove overhead electrical wires, poles and transformer on a farm in Madkijamb village in Dindori taluka, besides compensate farmowner Shivaji Dhumne for physical and mental harassment.The three-bench commission, headed by Mandakini Bhosle, in its order stated, "The transformer and the electricity poles, along with overhead wires, that have been set up on the farm should be removed at the earliest. The farmer should also be compensated with Rs 5,000 per month as rental from the date of the order till the transformer and other infrastructure is removed from the premises. The payment will also attract a 10% rate of interest in case of delay."The commission has also ordered compensation of Rs 30,000 for the physical and mental harassment that the farmer had to endure and Rs 7,000 as the cost for the expenses incurred.The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Limited (MSEDCL) had laid the power lines in the area in 1996. The farmer, Dhumne, however, objected to the firm's move in 2021 and demanded that it compensate him for the land or pay him the rental of Rs 5,000 per month or remove the infrastructure from his farm.After the firm denied the demand in Oct 2021, Dhumne registered a complaint with the commission in Jan 2022.The firm claimed that the infrastructure was raised as per govt guidelines. This was countered by Siddharth Verma, the farmer's lawyer, who said the firm took into consideration the cost of laying power lines while deciding charges for the consumers. In such a case, the firm should pay the farmer for using his land for setting up the infrastructure.After hearing both sides, the commission directed MSEDCL to remove the infrastructure from the farm and pay the rental till the removal.Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Valentine's day wishes, messages and quotes !