Burla: Western Odisha has been affected badly by one of the most intense Kalbaisakhi in recent memory, with powerful squalls striking the region almost daily for the past two weeks.
The relentless storms have caused catastrophic damage to the power distribution infrastructure, impacting people across Sambalpur, Bargarh, Jharsuguda, Sundargarh, Balangir, Sonepur, Kalahandi, Nuapada and Deogarh districts. Preliminary assessment indicates that more than 1000 electric poles have been uprooted, 2500+ km of 33kV, 11Kv and LT lines snapped, and distribution transformers damaged or toppled due to fallen trees and flying debris.
To address the situation, power distribution company TPWODL has mounted a massive restoration drive on a war footing, deploying more than 7,500 personnel across these nine districts to repair extensive damage to the electricity infrastructure.
According to a company release, TPWODL’s Operations & Maintenance and Projects teams have been working round-the-clock in extremely challenging weather conditions. Over 7,863 linemen, officers, and business associates, along with approximately 1,000 additional project workers, have been mobilised for restoration efforts. To speed up operations, the company has deployed 65 Hydra cranes, 62 pole-masters, 30 dewatering pumps, 876 tree pruners, and 338 vehicles. In areas blocked by fallen trees, TPWODL is coordinating closely with ODRAF and Fire Services teams to clear access routes.
Despite these intensive efforts, restoration has been repeatedly hampered as fresh storms strike every evening, creating new faults even as existing ones are being cleared. On May 30, a sudden gale caused widespread disruption, plunging nearly 17 lakh consumers across Sambalpur, Rourkela, Bargarh, Kalahandi, Balangir, Jharsuguda, Sonepur, and Deogarh into darkness. Nevertheless, the company has achieved remarkable progress. As of 5 pm on May 31, power supply had been restored to over 99.5% of the affected consumers. Teams continued working through the night using floodlights and emergency resources, to normalise the situation in remaining pockets.
“These are extraordinary circumstances. Our teams are out in the field amid lightning, rain, and fallen trees, with safety as our top priority. I salute their courage. We understand the hardship faced by consumers and assure them that every TPWODL employee is on the ground right now to bring back power,” said TPWODL Chief Executive Officer Parveen Verma.
TPWODL has appealed to consumers for patience and cooperation during this difficult period and urged people to stay away from snapped conductors and immediately report any unsafe conditions to its 24×7 helpline.
