CDRI & Odisha Govt Unveil Report On Disaster Resilient Power Systems

Bhubaneswar: Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and Odisha government jointly launched a report, ‘Disaster Resilient Power Systems for Odisha,’ on Wednesday.

The recommendations in the report will enable the necessary steps for investments, risk-informed governance, and capacity building for disaster resilience, an official release said.

Heavy rains, flooding, and severe waterlogging impact the uninterrupted functioning of critical power infrastructure in coastal regions during disasters. Disruptions result in high maintenance costs, asset loss, socio-economic losses, crippled emergency services and delayed response.

CDRI’s report on resilient power infrastructure lays out a methodology for enhancing power sector resilience in coastal regions, particularly those affected by cyclones, hurricanes and floods.

The key recommendations include enhancing codes and standards for wind zones, integrating risk assessments into financial planning, incorporating the resilience component in policy, training and capacity-building initiatives among others.

Chief Secretary Pradeep Kumar Jena, who was chief guest at the programme, delivered the keynote address and shared his experience of combating the cyclones and problems in restoration.

The state, he said, learnt from these experiences and started making the power infrastructure disaster proof. He urged the officials to make infrastructure resilient.

“This small beginning by CDRI will help other coastal states in India and many countries to come up with disaster resilient power infrastructure.” he added.

Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Water Resource and Planning & Convergence Anu Garg, said, “Disaster preparedness should not just be a part of Energy Department but should be part of integrated planning across all Departments of the State,”

Joint Secretary, Distribution and Reform Utility, Union Ministry of Power, Shashank Mishra said “I would like to express deep appreciation for CDRI in highlighting issues to the Ministry of Power and government of Odisha. The Ministry of Power will be keen to undertake a brainstorming session with various stakeholders to take next steps,”

Member, National Disaster Management Authority Dr Krishna S. Vatsa said “The study is profound and has many lessons on resilience building and improving power systems. CDRI is a multilateral institution and we hope that the study will contribute to development of standards applicable across the country.”