Gandhinagar, July 28 (IANS) Electricity supply was restored in 1,197 villages across Gujarat within hours after disruptions caused by recent heavy rains and cyclonic conditions, with more than 900 teams comprising over 3,400 power personnel deployed for emergency restoration work, Government Spokesperson Minister Jitu Vaghani said on Tuesday.
Addressing the media after the Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Vaghani noted that the Chief Minister appreciated the efforts of Energy Department personnel who worked continuously to restore electricity services across affected areas.
Vaghani said power disruptions were unavoidable during heavy rainfall, cyclones and other natural disasters, but Gujarat’s power infrastructure and response mechanism had enabled faster restoration even under difficult conditions.
“During the recent heavy rains in Gujarat, electricity supply was restored within a few hours in 1,197 affected villages,” Vaghani said.
He added that the adverse weather conditions damaged 2,575 power feeders, 1,464 electricity poles and nearly 5,000 transformers across the state.
To repair the damaged infrastructure and restore supply, more than 900 specialised teams, including over 3,400 power personnel, were deployed on the ground under emergency conditions.
Vaghani said that during earlier years, power disruptions following major natural calamities often continued for extended periods, but the Energy Department’s prompt response had helped restore normalcy much faster.
“The Cabinet congratulated the entire department for its prompt and commendable efforts,” he said.
The minister said Chief Minister Patel specifically praised the dedication of field personnel who carried out restoration work in challenging weather conditions.
At the same time, the Chief Minister directed officials to ensure that the safety of employees remained the highest priority. “Patel instructed that there should be no compromise on the safety and security of power department staff during restoration operations,” Vaghani added.
He emphasised that all prescribed safety protocols must be strictly followed and that field personnel should be deployed only after being provided with the required safety gear and equipment.
The Chief Minister also noted that employees sometimes avoid using available safety equipment while trying to complete restoration work quickly or due to routine practices.
He directed that all personnel must properly use the prescribed protective equipment while carrying out field duties.
“Patel had instructed authorities to provide additional modern tools, equipment and safety facilities wherever required to ensure safer and more efficient restoration work,” Vaghani said.
–IANS
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