Arup Biswas mobilizes resources to prepare for upcoming storm season

An emergency meeting was held at Vidyut Bhaban (Electric Department) by Minister Arup with senior officials from the Power Department, including Additional Chief Secretary of Power Department Suresh Kumar and Chairman of West Bengal State Power Distribution Corporation Shantanu Basu. The minister also spoke with officials from distant districts via video conference.

The meeting addressed the need to normalize the electricity situation in North Bengal and make necessary preparations for the upcoming storm season. The minister also ordered the maintenance of uninterrupted power service during the higher secondary examination and canceled the leave of all officials and workers in the power department until March 28th.

During the meeting, Arup reported that several districts, including Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, and Cooch Behar, had experienced extensive damage to the power supply system due to a storm and hailstorm. Over 100 power poles were broken, trees had fallen on lines in 250 locations, and insulators were destroyed by lightning. To address this, over 300 electricity workers and officers were working to normalize the electricity supply system.

Local residents appealed for help in restoring power, and the power department began working proactively. Abhishek, a local leader, contacted Minister Arup Biswas for assistance, and over 250 workers were employed to resolve the issue in the next 6 to 8 hours.

It should be noted that the onset of Kalbaisakhi has started across the Duars, and the Meteorological Department predicts gusty winds, thunder and lightning, scattered hailstorms, and damage to crops and trees. If residents require assistance, they can contact the electricity department for help.