Patna: The Bihar State Power Holding Company Limited (BSPHCL) has reviewed electricity supply and safety arrangements across the state ahead of Durga Puja, with officials directed to ensure safe and uninterrupted power supply in puja pandals and fair areas.
The review meeting was held on Saturday through video conferencing with officials from all electrical circles under the chairmanship of Energy Secretary and BSPHCL Chairman-cum-Managing Director Ajay Yadav.
Managing Directors Rahul Kumar of North Bihar Power Distribution Company Limited (NBPDCL) and Sourav Jorwal of South Bihar Power Distribution Company Limited (SBPDCL), along with other senior officials, attended the meeting.
Safety Measures Around Puja Pandals
The meeting reviewed electricity supply arrangements in Durga Puja and fair areas, strengthening and maintenance of electrical infrastructure, safety measures and preparedness for emergencies.
Yadav directed officials to strictly follow Standard Operating Procedures related to electrical safety and replace damaged or worn-out electrical wires near puja pandals and fair areas before the festival.
He also directed officials to replace 11 kV bare conductor lines passing over or near crowded areas and puja pandals with covered conductors wherever required, or install guard wires as a safety measure.
Protection Against Electric Shock
Officials were instructed to address the risk of electric shock from iron electricity poles installed in crowded fair areas by using dielectric paint or polyethylene sheets.
The Energy Secretary also directed that LT bare wires be converted into AB cables.
Fencing around distribution transformers located in crowded areas and supplying electricity to puja pandals and fair grounds has also been ordered on priority.
24×7 Control Room At Headquarters
Yadav directed officials of all electrical circles to coordinate with district administrations and ensure that Fuse Call Centres remain on alert for continuous monitoring of electricity supply and safety arrangements in festival areas.
A 24×7 control room is also to be established at the headquarters level to monitor electricity supply and coordinate prompt responses during emergencies. Adequate officers and personnel are to be deployed at the divisional level.
Officials were further directed to take necessary measures to maintain safe and, as far as possible, uninterrupted electricity supply in flood-affected areas.
Transformers And Electrical Materials Stocked
Field officials informed the meeting that strengthening and maintenance of electrical infrastructure is underway ahead of Durga Puja.
Maintenance and repair work is being carried out at Power Sub-Stations (PSS), 33 kV and 11 kV lines and Distribution Sub-Stations (DSS).
Adequate transformers and essential electrical materials have also been made available at the field level to respond to emergencies. Arrangements have been made for immediate replacement of transformers in case of failure or damage.
Officials have also been provided with sufficient materials, equipment and other resources to respond quickly to power breakdowns during the festival.
Yadav concluded the meeting by extending advance Durga Puja greetings to officials and others.
