Bhubaneswar: Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo on Monday reviewed the Energy Department’s preparedness to deal with the impending Cyclone Arnab, directing officials to ensure power supply resilience, minimise disruptions and prevent casualties across southern and coastal Odisha.
The high-level meeting focused on disaster preparedness and operational readiness for the period from October 26 to 29. Singh Deo will be stationed in Koraput to monitor the cyclone’s impact and oversee emergency operations across the southern region.
The Odisha Power Transmission Corporation Limited (OPTCL) has established a multi-tier command network to coordinate emergency response and power restoration. A dedicated 24-hour central control room has been set up at STAMC Chandaka, supported by zonal oversight at Narendrapur and 11 field control centres in vulnerable areas.
The field centres are located at Narendrapur, Chatrapur, Bhanjanagar, Jayanagar, Malkangiri, Theruvali, Kesinga, Samangara, Paradeep, Bhadrak and Baleshwar.
According to the preparedness plan, all control units are operational with dedicated duty rosters, communication links, backup diesel generators and DC power systems. Ground teams are also carrying out pre-cyclone preparations to facilitate a swift response to damage caused by the storm.
To support emergency restoration work, the department has positioned essential equipment and materials at strategic depots. These include 83 sets of emergency towers for 132 kV, 220 kV and 400 kV transmission lines, 1,115 km of conductors and 9,157 hardware fitting sets.
The Energy Department has committed to restoring damaged power infrastructure as soon as weather conditions allow. Hospitals, schools, cyclone shelters and other essential public infrastructure will receive priority during restoration to protect public health and safety.
Consumers will also receive automated SMS alerts with updates on restoration schedules and estimated power restoration times, enabling them to stay informed during the emergency.
For southern Odisha, the centralised power system control centre at Ambagada in Berhampur will function as the Central Emergency Control Centre for Tata Power Southern Odisha Distribution Limited.
Consumers can contact the emergency control centre at 9124293314 or use the toll-free numbers 1912 and 18002026 for assistance.
The government has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding electricity supply and restoring affected transmission lines in the shortest possible time.
The review meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary, Energy, Vishal Kumar Dev, along with senior officials from OPTCL, Tata Power, and the Energy Department.
