Bengaluru,: The Karnataka Government led by Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has extended a helping hand for the restoration of power supply infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh, which suffered huge damage due to Cyclone ‘Arnab’.Responding to a request from the Andhra Pradesh government for manpower and equipment to restore power infrastructure, the Karnataka government, under the supervision of Energy Minister K J George, has come forward to assist in the spirit of inter-state cooperation and solidarity.
Chief Minister D K Shivakumar spoke to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu over the phone and assured full support from Karnataka during this time of distress.”Electricity is an essential service and restoring it immediately is urgent for the well-being of the affected people. Karnataka stands firmly with the people of Andhra Pradesh during this tough time,” said CM D K Shivakumar.”
“Through efficient field-level coordination and deployment of advanced equipment, we will work closely with Andhra Pradesh officials to ensure quick restoration of power supply,” said Energy Minister K J George.
To carry out restoration work and quickly restore power in cyclone-hit regions, Karnataka is dispatching 500 skilled powermen, 15 Palfinger trucks equipped with cranes and earth augers, and 25 tractor-based drilling machines.The teams were mobilized on an emergency basis, left for Andhra Pradesh on Monday afternoon and reached by midnight. For effective deployment, each ESCOM has appointed a Single Point of Contact (SPOC) to coordinate with Andhra Pradesh officials.
The linemen have been divided into teams of 10 members each, with every team led by a Junior Engineer (JE) / Assistant Engineer (AE). An Executive Engineer (EE) from each O&M Circle has been deployed for overall supervision and coordination.To ensure effective utilization of equipment, drivers and operators are accompanying the Palfinger trucks and tractor-based drilling machines. Necessary contingency funds are also being provided to cover travel, accommodation and other emergency expenses of the deployed personnel.
