KPDCL issues safety advisory, puts field teams on high alert amid heavy rain forecast

Ziraat Times News Desk

Srinagar, July 20: The Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) on Monday issued a public safety advisory and placed its field machinery on high alert following forecasts of heavy to very heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds across Kashmir.

According to an official statement, the Chief Engineer, Distribution, KPDCL, directed all field functionaries to remain vigilant to safeguard public life, protect electrical infrastructure and ensure continuity of essential power supply services during the expected spell of adverse weather.

KPDCL said severe weather conditions could lead to uprooting of trees, landslides, waterlogging and flooding, potentially damaging overhead power lines, transformers, electric poles and other components of the power distribution network. It cautioned that temporary power interruptions may be required in some areas to ensure public safety and facilitate emergency restoration work.

The corporation advised people not to touch or approach electrical conductors, poles, transformers, feeder pillars or other electrical installations during inclement weather, warning that such infrastructure may become live due to leakage of electric current. It said all fallen conductors and damaged poles should be treated as live and dangerous.

Residents have also been urged to avoid waterlogged and flooded areas containing electrical installations or overhead power lines and refrain from undertaking electrical repairs during rainfall or while standing on wet surfaces. In cases where water enters homes or commercial establishments, consumers have been advised to switch off the main electrical supply only if it can be done safely.

KPDCL further appealed to residents of flood-prone and landslide-prone areas to remain alert, noting that waterlogging, soil erosion, landslides and falling trees could damage power infrastructure. The advisory also called on people 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 power lines during thunderstorms.

The corporation asked the public to immediately report damaged electrical installations, sparking, snapped conductors, leaning poles or any other hazardous conditions to the nearest KPDCL office. Consumers were also requested to cooperate with restoration teams and facilitate access to electrical infrastructure to enable quick restoration of services.

Meanwhile, all Superintending Engineers, Executive Engineers, Sub-Divisional Officers and field staff have been directed to maintain round-the-clock monitoring of the distribution network. Emergency response teams have been instructed to remain fully prepared with adequate manpower, vehicles, tools, safety equipment and restoration materials.

KPDCL 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 strictly to safety protocols.

The corporation said its officers would maintain close coordination with district administrations and other departments in the event of road blockages, landslides or tree falls affecting electrical infrastructure. All subordinate offices have been instructed to provide hourly updates on feeder status through the designated nodal officer, Hashmat Rasool Raina, and report any major breakdowns, prolonged outages or public safety incidents immediately.

KPDCL said consumers would be kept informed about prolonged outages, restoration efforts and safety measures through available communication platforms. It appealed to the public to remain vigilant, follow official safety advisories and extend full cooperation to personnel engaged in restoration work until the weather situation improves.