Gujarat has shown remarkable resilience in restoring electricity supply after unseasonal rain and strong winds recently. The heavy weather conditions on May 5 and 6 affected over 7,300 villages across the state. However, within just 48 hours, electricity was restored in all affected areas, with 88% of villages receiving power back within the first 24 hours. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and the energy department’s proactive measures ensured quick recovery from this natural challenge.
The energy companies had already devised a comprehensive disaster management plan ahead of the monsoon season. They stocked essential materials at sensitive locations to guarantee a rapid response. When the unexpected heavy rain and strong winds hit, control rooms at Gujarat Energy Development Corporation Limited (GUVNL) were activated to monitor the situation.
After the meteorological department predicted the rough weather, a review meeting was held to ensure the safety of citizens while speeding up the restoration work. A total of 1,026 teams from the electricity distribution companies were deployed, supported by 5,426 skilled workers.
In the aftermath of the storm, the GeoUrja system played a crucial role in real-time monitoring and decision-making. This technology helped the authorities prioritise restoration efforts in the most affected areas. Regular maintenance of the power network before the monsoon also reduced damage from the unexpected weather.
The swift response from the energy department was evident as 6,425 villages had their power restored in the first 24 hours. The remaining villages received electricity within 48 hours. In cities under the GUVNL, power supply was also restored quickly, with most areas seeing electricity back on within 12 hours after the storm.
In Vadodara, the strong winds and rain caused trees and hoardings to fall, damaging power lines. However, all affected feeders were restored by late evening on the same day. Over 100 departmental teams and more than 20 contracted teams worked tirelessly to repair the damage. MGVCL established a control room for round-the-clock monitoring and coordination, ensuring that the city had its power fully restored by the next evening.
Last year, Gujarat excelled in power restoration, addressing 38 lakh interruptions across 20,349 feeders within an average of just 30 minutes. This track record highlights the state’s preparedness for natural disasters. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Gujarat continues to focus on development while building a robust framework to face any challenges that may arise.
The recent weather events have raised concerns among farmers, especially as unseasonal rain has impacted crops in districts like Banaskantha and Junagadh. Despite the challenges posed by the weather, the state’s proactive measures in disaster management and quick restoration of services demonstrate its commitment to resilience and recovery.
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