Bhubaneswar, May 22. Amid a sharp rise in electricity demand across Odisha, the Odisha Power Transmission Corporation Limited (OPTCL) has cancelled all categories of employee leave and restricted staff from leaving their headquarters without prior approval.

In an official circular, the state-run power transmission utility said the decision was taken in view of the “unforeseen situation” caused by excessive power demand and the need to ensure uninterrupted operational preparedness across the state.

As per the directive, no employee will be allowed to leave headquarters without permission from the competent authority until further notice. The corporation has also revoked all sanctioned leave with immediate effect, except maternity leave and leave approved on medical grounds. Employees currently on leave have been instructed to return to duty at the earliest.

The corporation has further postponed or cancelled all meetings, seminars, conferences, training programmes, inspections, official tours, and other activities requiring staff movement outside headquarters. However, separate approval may be sought for essential travel or training during this period.

The emergency measures come as Odisha witnesses a significant spike in power consumption, driven by intense summer heat coupled with increased agricultural and domestic electricity usage. OPTCL, which manages the state’s high-voltage transmission network, plays a crucial role in ensuring uninterrupted power supply across Odisha.

Senior officials have urged employees to extend full cooperation to maintain smooth power transmission services and prevent any disruption during the high-demand period.