Kolkata: The city’s power utility, CESC, will deploy 200 patrol vans and a 6,000-strong workforce to tackle supply challenges arising from Cyclone Dana.
“We are also setting up a control room and augmenting the helpline facility. CESC is also receiving real-time updates from IMD to take action accordingly. CESC officials will also be present at the civic and police control rooms in Kolkata and Howrah to coordinate all activities,” said an official.
Though Kolkata is outside the periphery and could escape disruption like the one caused during Amphan — when overhead power lines snapped — heavy rain may necessitate shutdown of supply in areas where the rising water level may threaten to inundate supply points and pose a safety risk.
State power minister Aroop Biswas held a meeting on Tuesday with the officials in charge of the electricity department and CESC. Power secretary Shantanu Basu was also present. He has asked utilities to stock adequate electrical equipment in districts to enable swift repair and supply restoration after the cyclone.