State sends materials, men to restore power supply in AP

The Karnataka government, to help restore power supply in cyclone-ravaged coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh, has sent adequate number of men and materials to the neighbouring state.

The assistance has been authorised by Energy Minister D K Shivakumar. More than 100 engineers along with staff and necessary materials required to restore power, have been sent to Andhra Pradesh, according to a press release from the Energy department.

The Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom) has sent 200 transformers, 15 lorries and a crane along with a team comprising a senior electrical engineer, 17 engineers and 122 linemen to restore power supply in Andhra Pradesh over next 10 days.

The Gulbarga Electricity Supply Company (Gescom) has sent 160 transformers, the Hubli Electricity Supply Company (Hescom) 30 transformers and the Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Company (CESC) has sent 32 transformers along with required manpower.

A press release from the Bescom stated that its team would work round-the-clock and may also extend its stay in case the 10-day target was not sufficient to restore power supply.

The Andhra Pradesh government has already taken up work to restore power supply in cyclone affected districts of Visakhapatnam, Vijayanagaram, Srikakulam, East and West Godavari districts. Heavy rains and gusty winds have caused extensive damages to power supply network plunging many villages, towns and cities into darkness.