Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar puts Andhra Pradesh power utilities on high alert ahead of Cyclone Murasu, setting a 48-hour electricity restoration target.
Andhra Pradesh Energy Department on High Alert Ahead of Cyclone Murasu
Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar directs power utilities to restore electricity within 48 hours of disruptions
Additional manpower, equipment to be mobilised from neighbouring States if required
Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar has directed power distribution companies to remain on high alert ahead of Cyclone Murasu and take all necessary precautions to prevent electrical accidents, minimise damage to power infrastructure and ensure speedy restoration of electricity supply in affected areas.
The Minister reviewed the preparedness of the Energy Department through a teleconference with the Chairmen and Managing Directors (CMDs), directors and senior officials of the State's power distribution companies on Monday. He instructed officials in South Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema to ensure that adequate manpower, equipment and emergency response arrangements were in place.
Senior officials of Andhra Pradesh Central Power Distribution Company Limited (APCPDCL), Andhra Pradesh Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (APSPDCL) and other power utilities participated in the review.
Ravi Kumar emphasised that protecting human lives must remain the foremost priority and called for comprehensive precautionary measures to minimise loss of life and property during the cyclone.
The Minister directed power utilities to prepare detailed contingency plans to address possible disruptions and undertake restoration works on a war footing wherever infrastructure was damaged.
He instructed officials to work towards restoring electricity supply within 48 hours in cyclone-affected areas, subject to weather and safety conditions.
The CMDs were asked to personally visit vulnerable locations, monitor preparedness and supervise restoration operations. Special officers would be designated for districts likely to face severe cyclone impact to ensure effective coordination and prompt decision-making.
He also directed officials to identify and remove hazardous tree branches hanging over electricity lines to prevent snapped conductors, damaged poles and electrical accidents during strong winds.
Emphasising the need for advance logistical arrangements, the Minister instructed distribution companies to maintain adequate stocks of electricity poles, conductors, transformers, cables and other essential materials required for emergency repairs.
He said sufficient technical personnel, vehicles and specialised equipment should be kept ready for immediate deployment. Additional manpower and machinery could be mobilised from neighbouring States, including Tamil Nadu and Telangana, if required.
Restoration teams should be strategically deployed and shifted to other affected locations immediately after completing repair works in one area, he said. The Minister stressed that shortages of personnel, equipment or materials should not delay restoration operations.
Ravi Kumar directed power utilities to ensure that the 1912 electricity helpline remained operational 24 hours a day throughout the cyclone period to receive complaints and coordinate emergency responses.
People were advised to immediately report snapped power lines, fallen electricity poles and other electrical hazards through the helpline or the nearest electricity office.
The Minister cautioned the public against touching fallen electrical wires or approaching damaged electrical installations. He also advised residents to avoid standing beneath trees or near electricity poles during strong winds and thunderstorms and to remain indoors unless travel was essential.
"Protecting every human life is our highest priority. People must exercise utmost caution and cooperate with the authorities to prevent avoidable accidents," he said.
The Minister stressed the need for close coordination between electricity utilities, the Revenue Department, village and ward secretariats and other government agencies to ensure an effective response to cyclone-related emergencies.
He directed officials to maintain continuous communication with district administrations and field-level personnel so that information on damaged infrastructure and power disruptions could be promptly passed on to restoration teams.
Timely mobilisation of resources, effective coordination and close field-level supervision would be crucial to minimising the impact of the cyclone and restoring essential services, he said.
During the teleconference, the Minister also reviewed electricity restoration operations in areas affected by the recent Cyclone Arnab.
He sought details of pending repair works and instructed officials to expedite the restoration of power supply in the remaining affected locations.
Ravi Kumar reiterated that power utilities must ensure adequate availability of manpower and materials to complete pending works without delay while simultaneously strengthening preparedness for Cyclone Murasu.
He directed senior officials to remain vigilant, continuously monitor the situation and ensure that public safety and uninterrupted essential services remained central to the department's response.
