Odisha Gears Up Power Infrastructure Ahead of Cyclone ‘Montha’

Bhubaneswar: With Cyclone Montha approaching the Odisha coast, the Revenue and Disaster Management Minister reviewed the preparedness of various government departments to mitigate its potential impact. The high-level meeting, attended by the Development Commissioner, ACS-cum-Special Relief Commissioner, Principal Secretary (Energy), and Secretaries of other line departments, focused on ensuring safety, continuity of essential services, and rapid disaster response.

The Energy Department presented a comprehensive action plan to safeguard the state’s power infrastructure and ensure uninterrupted electricity supply during and after the cyclone. Officials informed that DISCOMs and OPTCL have been placed on high alert, closely monitoring both pre-cyclone and post-cyclone operations for swift response and restoration.

Preventive maintenance at Primary and Distribution Sub-Stations (33 KV/11 KV lines) has been completed, and adequate stocks of transformers, poles, and conductors have been secured at strategic locations. Special teams equipped with pole masters, man-lifters, and tree pruners have been deployed for early restoration work. To facilitate rapid response, Central Control Rooms at each DISCOM are operating round the clock, coordinating with field teams and consumer helplines for real-time updates.

Over 8,000 personnel from TPSODL and TPWODL have been mobilised, with additional vehicles and mobile distribution substations readied for deployment. The department has also operationalised transit stores to ensure quick access to materials and positioned tower wagons for tree trimming and debris clearance. Lightning arresters have been installed at vulnerable points, while ASKA lights, DG sets, and water pumps have been distributed across divisions to support emergency operations.

Special emphasis has been placed on maintaining power supply to hospitals, water supply systems, and other critical infrastructure, especially in eight high-alert districts — Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Ganjam, Gajapati, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, and Nabarangpur.

Citizens have been urged to exercise caution by staying indoors during strong winds, avoiding electrical equipment during rainfall or flooding, and keeping children away from waterlogged areas. Power-related emergencies can be reported through the 24×7 toll-free helpline 1912.