Union Minister Reviews Power Supply Maintenance Preparations in Coastal Areas Ahead of Cyclone ‘Biparjoy’
New Delhi: On Tuesday, Raj Kumar Singh, the Union Minister for Power, chaired a crucial meeting with senior officials from the Ministry of Power, Central Electricity Authority (CEA), Grid Controller of India, and Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd. The meeting aimed to assess the preparedness for maintaining uninterrupted power supply in the coastal regions of Gujarat and Rajasthan, which are expected to be impacted by the approaching Cyclone ‘Biparjoy.’
With the cyclone looming on the horizon, the government is taking proactive measures to mitigate potential disruptions in power transmission and distribution systems in the affected areas. Recognizing the importance of uninterrupted electricity supply for critical services and the well-being of the affected populace, the Ministry of Power has been closely monitoring the situation and coordinating efforts to ensure the resilience of the power infrastructure.
During the meeting, Minister Raj Kumar Singh emphasized the need for efficient coordination among all stakeholders to minimize the impact of the cyclone on power supply. The Union Minister stressed that the timely restoration of electricity services after the cyclone passes is of paramount importance, especially considering the potential damage to the power infrastructure caused by high winds, heavy rainfall, and other associated hazards.
The Central Electricity Authority, the regulatory body responsible for managing and planning the nation’s power sector, presented a comprehensive assessment of the existing power infrastructure in the coastal areas of Gujarat and Rajasthan. This assessment highlighted the vulnerabilities and potential areas of concern that need to be addressed before the cyclone makes landfall.
The Grid Controller of India, along with representatives from the Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd, shared their strategies for maintaining grid stability and uninterrupted power supply during extreme weather events. They detailed the emergency response mechanisms in place, including robust backup systems and quick restoration protocols. Additionally, the meeting reviewed the availability of essential resources such as transformers, poles, cables, and other necessary equipment that may be required for post-cyclone repairs.
The Union Minister instructed the officials to ensure seamless coordination among different agencies involved in the power sector, such as power generation companies, transmission companies, distribution companies, and regulatory bodies. He emphasized the need for real-time communication and data sharing to facilitate effective decision-making during the cyclone and its aftermath.
Moreover, Minister Raj Kumar Singh directed the officials to deploy additional manpower and resources in the coastal areas to expedite the restoration work, if required. He urged them to collaborate with local administration and state governments to coordinate relief and rehabilitation efforts, as electricity plays a vital role in facilitating rescue operations and the functioning of relief centers.
The ministry also advised power utilities in the affected regions to take necessary precautions to secure power infrastructure, including trimming tree branches near power lines and strengthening transmission towers. Regular updates and warnings regarding the cyclone’s trajectory and intensity were to be provided to the concerned agencies and the public to ensure preparedness and minimize potential disruptions.
The meeting concluded with the affirmation that the Ministry of Power, in close collaboration with other agencies, would continue monitoring the situation and take all necessary steps to maintain uninterrupted power supply during and after the cyclone. The Union Minister expressed confidence in the collective efforts of the power sector and encouraged officials to work diligently to ensure the well-being of the affected communities.
As Cyclone ‘Biparjoy’ draws closer to the coastal regions of Gujarat and Rajasthan, the government’s proactive approach in reviewing power supply maintenance preparations underscores its commitment to safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of the people in these areas. By prioritizing coordination and effective response mechanisms, the government aims to mitigate the impact of the cyclone on the power infrastructure and enable a swift recovery post-cyclone.
