Srinagar: The Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) on Monday issued a public safety advisory and placed its field machinery on high alert following the India Meteorological Department’s forecast of heavy to very heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds across the Valley.
In an advisory, the Chief Engineer, Distribution, KPDCL, said the adverse weather could lead to uprooting of trees, landslides, waterlogging and flooding, resulting in damage to overhead power lines, transformers, electric poles and other electrical infrastructure. It said temporary power interruptions may be necessary at some locations to ensure public safety and facilitate restoration works.
The utility advised people not to touch or approach electrical conductors, poles, transformers, feeder pillars or any other electrical installations during inclement weather, warning that damaged infrastructure could become live due to leakage of electric current. It said every fallen conductor or damaged pole should be treated as live and dangerous.
Residents have also been asked to avoid waterlogged areas containing electrical installations or overhead power lines and refrain from attempting electrical repairs during rainfall or while standing on wet surfaces. In the event of water entering homes or commercial establishments, consumers have been advised to switch off the main power supply only if it can be done safely.
KPDCL urged residents of flood- and landslide-prone areas to remain vigilant, warning that waterlogging, soil erosion, falling trees and landslides could damage electrical infrastructure. It also advised the public to maintain a safe distance from overhead power lines while operating machinery, pruning trees or carrying out outdoor activities, and to avoid taking shelter beneath electric poles, transformers or overhead lines during thunderstorms.
The corporation asked people to immediately report damaged electrical installations, snapped conductors, leaning poles, sparking or any other hazardous condition to the nearest KPDCL office. It also sought public cooperation in facilitating access for restoration teams.
Meanwhile, KPDCL directed all Superintending Engineers, Executive Engineers, Sub-Divisional Officers and field staff to maintain continuous monitoring of the distribution network throughout the period of adverse weather.
Emergency response teams have been instructed to remain prepared with adequate manpower, vehicles, tools, safety equipment and restoration material. The corporation said priority would be given to restoring power supply to hospitals, healthcare institutions, water supply installations, communication facilities, security establishments and other essential services.
Field officers have also been directed to carry out preventive inspections of vulnerable feeders, substations, transformers and overhead line corridors while adhering to safety protocols. They have been asked to coordinate closely with the district administration and other departments in the event of road blockages, landslides or fallen trees affecting power infrastructure.
KPDCL said subordinate offices have been instructed to provide hourly updates on feeder status through the designated nodal officer and immediately report any major breakdown, prolonged outage, infrastructure collapse or public safety incident. It added that consumers would be kept informed about prolonged outages, restoration work and safety precautions through available communication channels.
The corporation appealed to the public to follow safety advisories and cooperate with its personnel engaged in restoration work until normalcy is restored.
