Power teams on 48-hour restoration mission

Amaravati: Energy minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar directed electricity officials to take precautionary measures to prevent power disruptions and minimise loss of life and property in view of Cyclone Murusu. He asked officials and staff in the South Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema districts to remain on high alert.

The minister reviewed the preparedness for the cyclone through a teleconference on Monday with the CMDs of AP CPDCL and AP SPDCL, senior discom officials and directors. He instructed officials to prepare an action plan for the speedy restoration of power supply in cyclone-hit areas. Special officers should be appointed for districts likely to be severely affected, while discom CMDs should personally visit the field and monitor the situation. He also asked officials to remove dangerous tree branches hanging over power lines to prevent wires from snapping and other accidents during strong winds.

The minister directed officials to keep poles, conductors, transformers, cables, equipment and machinery ready in advance. Adequate staff should also be deployed to handle emergencies. If necessary, arrangements would be made to bring additional staff and machinery from Telangana and Tamil Nadu. He set a target of restoring power supply in cyclone-affected areas within 48 hours. Officials should speed up repairs by shifting teams to other areas immediately after completing work at one location. He also stressed the need for coordination among the electricity, revenue departments, village and ward secretariats and other government agencies.

Ravi Kumar directed officials to keep the 1912 toll-free helpline operational round the clock to receive electricity-related complaints during the cyclone. He urged people to immediately inform electricity officials or call 1912 if power lines snap or electric poles collapse. He cautioned people against touching fallen electric wires and advised them to stay away from such areas. People should also avoid standing under electric poles and trees and remain indoors during strong winds unless it is absolutely necessary to go out.

During the teleconference, the minister also reviewed the progress of power restoration works in areas affected by Cyclone Arnab. He directed officials to complete the remaining works at the earliest and restore normal power supply. He stressed that there should be no shortage of staff or equipment and that all necessary precautions should be taken to avoid inconvenience to the public.

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