Bhubaneswar, Oct 26: A high-level review meeting was chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo to evaluate the comprehensive disaster preparedness and operational readiness of Energy Department in view of the impending cyclone Arnab.

Focusing on the critical planning window from October 26 to October 29 across southern and coastal Odisha, the meeting established clear directives to ensure grid resilience, minimal supply disruption, and zero casualties.

To ensure direct governance and real-time oversight during the event, Singh Deo will be stationed on the ground in Koraput to closely monitor the cyclone’s effects and lead emergency operations across the southern region.

To manage power system restoration effectively, OPTCL has established a multi-tier strategic command network, featuring a dedicated 24x7 central control room at STAMC Chandaka, zonal oversight at Narendrapur, and 11 strategic field control centers spanning vulnerable areas including Narendrapur, Chatrapur, Bhanjanagar, Jayanagar, Malkangiri, Theruvali, Kesinga, Samangara, Paradeep, Bhadrak, and Baleshwar.

 All command units are fully operational with dedicated vigilance rosters, functional communication links, backup diesel generators, and DC power systems. Ground teams are executing pre-impact protocols, backed by heavy material pre-positioning that includes 83 sets of 132 kV, 220 kV, 400 kV emergency tower sets, 1,115 km of conductors, and 9,157 hardware fitting sets stocked at strategic depots.

During the restoration phase, strict priority will be given to essential services and public infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and cyclone shelters, to maintain public health and safety.

To keep citizens fully updated throughout the emergency, accurate timelines and the estimated time of power restoration will be directly communicated to consumers via automated SMS alerts. 24x7 centralised power system control centre location at Ambagada, Berhampur shall function as the Central Emergency Control Centre (CECC) for TPSODL with Contact Number: 9124293314. The toll free numbers are - 1912/18002026.