Power Restoration Will Take Time, Depending On Out-Of-State Skilled Labourforce: Odisha Chief Secretary

Bhubaneswar: In the aftermath of Cyclone FANI that has played havoc on Odisha last week (May 3) following which the affected districts are still in pitch dark due to massive damage caused to power supply as well as telecommunication, Odisha Chief Secretary today made it clear that power restoration will take time.

He further explained that Odisha needs now 5000 skilled labourforce from out of the State, especially from Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal.   

Soon after a high level review meeting conducted by Union Cabinet Secretary with the Odisha Government today afternoon, Chief Secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi informed media, “Power restoration will take time. Specifying number of days won’t be just.” 

He further informed, “Union Cabinet Secretary today reviewed Odisha’s post cyclone situation. This is National Crisis Management Group (NCMG) and its daily meeting is conducted whenever there is happening of any national crisis.”

“Today we have emphasized on two main points. One is that of mobile connectivity. In its absence, our relief operation is also being hampered. Our ACS, Home is in charge of a group and they are holding two meetings a day with the mobile service providers. He also briefed the Cabinet Secretary about the current status,” he stated.

He further stated, “We have today stressed on restoring soon the mobile connectivity of Puri district, particularly district headquarters and at the block level as it very important. We hope improvement in the mobile phone connectivity.”

He also informed, “The second issue is that of electricity. Power situation is basically our responsibility. But, we are depending on the Government of India for organizing labour from other States like Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal. They are skilled labour so far LT, HT lines etc are concerned. Thus, we are making arrangements for getting such 5000 odd labourforce from outside.”

“After getting the extra manpower, we could further expedite the ongoing restoration work in Puri and Bhubaneswar and power could be supplied,” said the Chief Secretary.

He further informed, “Water supply position is much better now. Water supply in Bhubaneswar and Puri cities is almost normal. We are supplying water through tankers to the remote parts that totally lacked the supply. In Bhubaneswar city we have restored the service level 80-90%. We hope it would be 100% by tomorrow. In Cuttack city also water supply is reasonably good.”