Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), in a bid to tackle rising space crunch, has decided to approve the installation of electricity distribution substations above public toilets.

First such multi civic amenities substation has been granted to Tata Power and it will come up at Ghatkopar. Besides, substations will be granted in basements and on open spaces near the housing complexes to cater to the power need of the respective area.

BMC commissioner Ajoy Mehta said,'' The civic body has adopted this novel way at a time when power distribution companies are engaged in strengthening distribution network to meet rising power demand in Mumbai. BMC has incorporated provision on development of substation in the Mumbai Development Plan and rules 2034.'' He informed that BMC will continue to own public toilets which will be given on a rental basis to power distribution companies to set up substations.

Mehta made it clear that substations above toilets will be granted only after due clearance by the electric inspector. According to him, the civic body will consider to replicate this concept across the city as per need.

Tata Power spokesperson was not reachable for comment.

Consumer representative at the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission Ashok Pendse said, ''This is an innovative method for the space-starved city to utilise the existing structure. We are hoping that all the safety precautions will be taken care of.'' He informed that at present there are around 100 to 120 substations across Greater Mumbai.

Further, Pendse said that Mumbai's power demand has already reached to almost 3,600 MW in summer and still it is rising at the rate of 100 to 150 MW annually. ''Under such circumstances moving in direction of the sky is the only choice left,'' he added.

FURTHER BENEFITS

Besides, electricity distribution substations will be granted in basements, open spaces near housing complexes to cater to the power need of respective areas