Efforts underway to restore Tripura's power infrastructure hit by Cyclone Remal
May 31, 2024
Agartala (Tripura) [India], May 31 : Cyclone Remal has left a trail of devastation across Tripura, with the power department reporting losses exceeding Rs 5 crore, officials said.
Power Department Secretary Abhisek Singh informed that due to proactive measures undertaken by the administration, no human lives have been lost in the disaster.
"There has been no loss of life in the state so far, thanks to the administration's proactive measures to mitigate the effects of Cyclone Remal," said Singh.
He detailed the extensive damage to the power infrastructure, stating that approximately 550 km of transmission lines, 850 power poles, and over 100 transformers have been affected.
Singh elaborated on the ongoing restoration efforts, noting that "994 employees of the contractor company, alongside our department employees, are working tirelessly to restore electricity service across the state. Already, about 60 per cent of the power pole repairs have been completed, and we are committed to swiftly finishing the remaining work."
He assured the public that the power department is actively addressing numerous calls from residents seeking assistance. "Necessary steps are being taken to resolve all issues expeditiously," Singh stated.
During a press conference, the State Project Officer of the State Disaster Management Authority, Sarat Kumar Das, provided an update on the overall impact of Cyclone Remal.
"The administration, in collaboration with disaster management teams, is undertaking an inclusive assessment of the statewide damage caused by Cyclone Remal and striving to maintain normalcy," Das explained.
He stated that "1,574 houses have been damaged, and 12 relief camps are currently operational, sheltering 1,220 people."
Debasish Sarkar, Managing Director of Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL), highlighted the specific damage to the power infrastructure.
"Our primary focus is on rapidly restoring the damaged transmission lines and poles to reinstate normal power supply. We are coordinating closely with various departments, including the forest department, SDRF, NDRF, and the state administration, to expedite these efforts," Sarkar said.
The administration's coordinated response and swift action have been pivotal in mitigating the impact of Cyclone Remal, ensuring the safety of residents, and working towards the speedy restoration of essential services. The ongoing efforts reflect a robust disaster management strategy, aimed at quickly returning the state to normalcy.
