Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has stepped up preparations to safeguard the power infrastructure and ensure swift electricity restoration in cyclone-prone southern and coastal districts as Cyclone Arnab approaches the state, Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo said on Monday.
Chairing a high-level review meeting on the Energy Department’s disaster preparedness and operational readiness, Singh Deo directed officials to strengthen grid resilience, minimise power disruptions and ensure that no lives are lost during the anticipated weather event between October 26 and 29.
The Deputy Chief Minister, who also holds the Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment and Energy portfolios, will camp in Koraput to monitor the cyclone’s impact and oversee emergency response and restoration operations across southern Odisha.
The Odisha Power Transmission Corporation Limited (OPTCL) has activated a multi-tier command network to coordinate emergency operations. A dedicated 24-hour central control room has been established at the State Transmission Asset Management Centre (STAMC) in Chandaka, while zonal operations will be monitored from Narendrapur.
In addition, 11 field control centres have been made operational at Narendrapur, Chatrapur, Bhanjanagar, Jayanagar, Malkangiri, Theruvali, Kesinga, Samangara, Paradeep, Bhadrak and Baleshwar to facilitate rapid response in vulnerable areas.
The control centres have been equipped with round-the-clock monitoring arrangements, communication facilities, backup diesel generators and DC power systems. Field teams have also initiated preparatory measures ahead of the cyclone’s potential impact.
To expedite restoration of damaged transmission infrastructure, OPTCL has stocked emergency materials at strategic locations, including 83 sets of emergency towers for 132 kV, 220 kV and 400 kV transmission lines, 1,115 km of conductors and 9,157 sets of hardware fittings.
The Energy Department has prioritised the restoration of electricity supply as soon as weather conditions permit, with essential services and public infrastructure, including hospitals, schools and cyclone shelters, to receive priority attention.
Consumers will be informed about power restoration schedules and estimated restoration times through automated SMS alerts, the statement said.
Meanwhile, the centralised power system control centre at Ambagada in Berhampur will function as the Central Emergency Control Centre (CECC) for the Tata Power Southern Odisha Distribution Limited (TPSODL).
Consumers can contact the centre at 9124293314 or use the toll-free numbers 1912 and 18002026 for assistance during the emergency.
The government reiterated its commitment to protecting electricity supply and restoring affected transmission infrastructure at the earliest possible time.
Additional Chief Secretary, Energy, Vishal Kumar Dev, along with senior officials from OPTCL, Tata Power and the Energy Department, attended the meeting.
