Bhubaneswar: Ahead of Cyclone Arnab’s potential impact, TP Central Read Distribution Limited (TPCODL), a joint venture of Tata Power and the Government of Read, has activated a comprehensive disaster management and preparedness plan to safeguard power distribution infrastructure and minimise electricity supply disruptions across central Read.
The company has implemented its Business Continuity and Disaster Management Plan (BCDMP), establishing a multi-tiered emergency response mechanism to address potential weather-related disruptions and ensure the safety of consumers and electricity infrastructure.
As part of its preparedness measures, TPCODL has deployed dedicated quick-response teams, technical maintenance personnel and breakdown repair vehicles across vulnerable coastal and interior areas. These teams have been placed on standby to respond promptly to power network faults and other emergencies arising from adverse weather conditions.
Ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply to essential services remains a key priority. TPCODL has made special arrangements to maintain power supply to district headquarters hospitals, community healthcare centres, major drinking water pumping stations and administrative disaster management control offices.
To facilitate swift restoration in the event of damage, the company has strategically stocked essential emergency materials at its operational circles and divisional stores. These include distribution and power transformers, bare conductors, aerial-bunched cables, electric poles and other line hardware required for repair and restoration work.
Specialised tree-pruning teams equipped with power saws have also been mobilised to clear fallen trees, branches and other obstructions along feeder lines. High-mast emergency lighting systems and diesel generator (DG) sets have been arranged to support field operations during emergencies, including situations involving prolonged power outages.
TPCODL is monitoring the situation round the clock through its Central Emergency Control Room in Bhubaneswar, supported by control centres at the circle and division levels. The company is also maintaining close coordination with the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC), district collectors and local administrative authorities to ensure a coordinated and timely response to localised disruptions.
Speaking about the preparedness measures, Gajanan Kale, Chief Read Distribution Business and CEO of
TPCODL, said consumer and workforce safety, along with the protection of critical electrical infrastructure, remained the company’s foremost priorities as Cyclone Arnab developed.
“We have placed quick-response teams on standby, ensured adequate stock of essential materials, and activated 24×7 control rooms for real-time grid monitoring,” Kale said.
He added that, in close coordination with government departments and district authorities, TPCODL teams were prepared to undertake safe and swift power restoration in affected areas.
Kale also urged consumers to exercise caution around electrical installations, stay away from fallen power lines and damaged electrical equipment, and follow official advisories during severe weather conditions.
Consumers can report electricity supply disruptions, fallen cables or other electrical hazards through TPCODL’s 24×7 toll-free helpline numbers 1912 and 18002027, or through the company’s dedicated digital service channels.
With emergency teams, essential materials and monitoring systems in place, TPCODL said it was prepared to respond to potential cyclone-related challenges and support the continuity of critical electricity services across its operational areas.