Work on pilot project for underground power supply system in Berhampur, Gopalpur, and Chatrapur in Ganjam district will commence soon, Energy Minister Arun Kumar Sahoo has said.
Mr. Sahoo was in the city on Saturday to attend a function organised jointly by the Odisha Power Transmission Corporation Limited (OPCL) and the private power distribution company, Southco, to honour staff and workers who had offered exemplary service in the restoration of power in Ganjam district after the Phailin cyclone last year.
Safe systemSpeaking to newsmen, Mr. Sahoo said the underground cabling for power supply in Berhampur, Gopalpur, and Chatrapur would cost Rs.817 crore. On completion of the project, these places would have safe, uninterrupted power supply even during natural calamities.
In all, 118 “outstanding performers” of the Southco and 50 of the OPTCL were honoured on the occasion.
Mr. Sahoo was the chief guest of the function. Principal Secretary of the Energy Department P.K. Jena, RDC, Southern Division, Bikash Mohapatra, Gopalpur MLA Pradeep Panigrahy, and authorities of the Southco and OPTCL were present.
Power supply to the whole of Ganjam district was disrupted after the Phailin cyclone. It took over 45 days for complete restoration of power supply. The Southco and OPTCL, with the support of other power distribution companies, private organisations, State government, and the local administration had taken up the restoration work.
Massive exerciseIn all, 7,000 personnel, including engineers, skilled technicians, and workers, were involved in the massive exercise undertaken in extreme unfavourable conditions.
