TPCODL activates disaster management plan to protect power infrastructure amid Cyclone Arnab threat
24×7 control room, quick-response teams and emergency material stocks put in place to minimise power disruptions
By Ipsita Das
Bhubaneswar, Oct. 27: Amid the developing weather system over the Bay of Bengal and the potential impact of Cyclone ‘Arnab’, TP Central Odisha Distribution Limited (TPCODL) has activated a comprehensive disaster management plan to safeguard power distribution infrastructure and minimise electricity supply disruptions across central Odisha.
The joint venture between Tata Power and the Government of Odisha has enforced its Business Continuity and Disaster Management Plan (BCDMP), putting in place a multi-tiered emergency response mechanism to address potential cyclone-related contingencies.
As part of the preparedness measures, dedicated quick-response teams, technical maintenance personnel and breakdown repair vehicles have been placed on high alert across vulnerable coastal and interior operational circles. The company has prioritised uninterrupted power supply to essential services, including district headquarters hospitals, community healthcare centres, major drinking water pumping stations and administrative disaster management offices.
To facilitate swift restoration in the event of damage, TPCODL has stocked adequate quantities of critical electrical materials at strategic locations across its operational circles and division stores. The emergency inventory includes distribution and power transformers, conductors, aerial-bunched cables, poles and line hardware.
Specialised teams equipped with power saws have also been mobilised to clear fallen trees and branches obstructing feeder lines. High-mast emergency lighting systems and diesel generator (DG) sets have been kept ready to support restoration operations during adverse weather conditions.
A 24×7 Central Emergency Control Room has been activated in Bhubaneswar to coordinate preparedness and restoration activities. The control room is supported by division- and circle-level emergency centres, ensuring round-the-clock monitoring of the electricity distribution network.
Using Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems and automated distribution networks, engineers are monitoring feeder loads and network conditions in real time to identify potential disruptions and facilitate prompt corrective action.
TPCODL is also maintaining close coordination with the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC), district collectors and local administration to ensure an effective response to localised emergencies and power outages.
Speaking on the preparedness measures, Gajanan Kale, Chief Odisha Distribution Business and CEO of TPCODL, said consumer and workforce safety, along with the resilience of critical electrical infrastructure, remained the company’s foremost priorities.
“As Cyclone Arnab develops, our utmost priority is consumer and workforce safety alongside the resilience of critical electrical infrastructure. We have placed quick-response teams on standby, ensured adequate stock of essential materials, and activated 24×7 control rooms for real-time grid monitoring. In close coordination with government and district authorities, our teams are prepared to restore power supply safely and swiftly in any affected pocket. We urge consumers to exercise caution around power equipment and follow official advisories during severe weather,” Kale said.
TPCODL has urged consumers to remain vigilant and report power disruptions, fallen cables or electrical hazards through its 24×7 toll-free helpline numbers 1912 and 18002027. Consumers can also use the company’s dedicated digital service channels to register complaints and seek assistance during the emergency.
