Bhubaneswar, 26 October (H.S.): Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo on Monday reviewed the preparedness of the Energy Department and power utilities to deal with the impending Cyclone Arnab, with a focus on ensuring uninterrupted power supply to essential services, minimising outages and preventing casualties across southern and coastal Odisha.

The high-level meeting assessed disaster preparedness and operational readiness for the critical period from October 26 to 29, 2026. Singh Deo, who also holds the Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment and Energy portfolios, directed officials to strengthen grid resilience, ensure rapid restoration of damaged infrastructure and maintain close coordination among the agencies concerned.

To oversee the response on the ground, the Deputy Chief Minister will be stationed in Koraput to monitor the cyclone's impact and lead emergency operations across southern Odisha.

The Odisha Power Transmission Corporation Limited (OPTCL) has established a multi-tier command network to coordinate emergency response and power restoration.

A dedicated 24-hour central control room has been made operational at the State Transmission Asset Management Centre (STAMC) in Chandaka, while zonal monitoring arrangements have been established at Narendrapur.

In addition, 11 strategic field control centres have been set up at Narendrapur, Chatrapur, Bhanjanagar, Jayanagar, Malkangiri, Theruvali, Kesinga, Samangara, Paradeep, Bhadrak and Baleshwar to facilitate rapid response in vulnerable areas.

According to the Energy Department, all control centres are operational with dedicated staff rosters, functional communication links, backup diesel generators and DC power systems to maintain operations during emergencies.

As part of its pre-cyclone preparedness, OPTCL has positioned emergency materials at strategic depots to facilitate the speedy repair of damaged transmission infrastructure.

The stockpile includes 83 sets of emergency towers for 132 kV, 220 kV and 400 kV transmission lines, 1,115 km of conductors and 9,157 hardware fitting sets.

Ground teams have also initiated precautionary measures ahead of the cyclone's anticipated impact to ensure that personnel and equipment are ready for deployment as soon as weather conditions permit.

The department has prioritised the rapid restoration of damaged power infrastructure, with officials directed to work towards minimising disruption and restoring electricity supplies at the earliest opportunity.

During the restoration phase, priority will be given to essential services and critical public infrastructure, including hospitals, schools and cyclone shelters, to safeguard public health and safety.

The department will also keep consumers informed about restoration progress. Automated SMS alerts will communicate updates, including estimated restoration timelines, to help residents plan during potential power disruptions.

The centralised power system control centre at Ambagada in Berhampur will function as the Central Emergency Control Centre (CECC) for Tata Power Southern Odisha Distribution Limited (TPSODL) during the cyclone response.

Consumers can contact the control centre at 9124293314 or call the toll-free numbers 1912 and 18002026 for electricity-related assistance.

The Energy Department reiterated its commitment to protecting power infrastructure, maintaining reliable electricity supplies wherever possible and restoring affected transmission lines in the shortest possible time.

Additional Chief Secretary, Energy, Vishal Kumar Dev, along with senior officials from OPTCL, Tata Power and the Energy Department, attended the review meeting.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda