Due to Cyclone Arnab, we have taken immediate action with 6,000 personnel to ensure that power supply in Andhra Pradesh is not disrupted – we have alerted the cyclone-affected areas with pin-to-pin surveillance to prevent loss of life…. Power Minister Gottipati Ravikumar.
N A T I O N A L N E W S
AP Beauro Report – Bharath (Dg) News
By- Raja Pentapati – Amaravati – Oct 27
The power department has been put on alert in the wake of cyclone ‘Arnab’. Energy Minister Gottipati Ravikumar has ordered officials to take precautionary measures to prevent loss of life in the cyclone-affected areas. He said that about 6,000 experienced officers and staff have been prepared to undertake rapid restoration work in the areas where power supply was disrupted.
In a video conference held with senior officials of the power department from the camp office in Amaravati on Tuesday, the cyclone preparedness, power supply situation and emergency services were reviewed.
The minister said that the leaves of essential staff in the areas not affected by the cyclone have been cancelled and they have been shifted to the affected areas. He ordered the directors and officers of power companies to be available at the field level.
He explained that precautionary measures have been taken in accordance with the instructions of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu.
He said that the directors are personally touring Visakhapatnam, Anakapalle, Kakinada and Konaseema areas and monitoring the situation. It was revealed that the staff has been alerted to undertake restoration work at 132 KV substations where problems have arisen, including repairs to broken power lines, fallen poles and damaged conductors.
He said that in view of the severity of the storm, the necessary electrical equipment has been prepared in advance at the divisional offices and mandal centers.
Gottipati Ravikumar said that the 1912 call center has been strengthened to receive complaints from the public on power supply interruptions, broken wires and fallen poles and respond immediately. He said that arrangements have been made to receive 30 thousand calls at a time. People are advised to provide information to 1912 if they encounter problems related to electricity.
The power department has increased coordination with other government departments to expedite relief efforts in emergency situations.
The Minister revealed that a special group has been formed to ensure continuous communication with the collectors, collectorate staff, revenue officials and local secretariat staff of the cyclone-affected districts. He explained that steps have been taken to ensure that any department receives information related to the power problem immediately shared in that group. This will enable the staff in the relevant areas to respond quickly and resolve the problems.
Gottipati Ravikumar said that all precautionary measures have been taken to prevent loss of life and property damage as much as possible. He appealed to the people to remain alert and cooperate with the authorities during the cyclone.
Swacha Andhra Pradesh
