No power in Veraval

VADODARA, July 1: Even as the Gujarat Electricity Board was going about restoring sub-stations, transformers and equipment damaged in the June cyclone, it has been forced to shut down two power sub-stations in Veraval from Wednesday evening following heavy rains.

Board Member Administration S K Nanda told Express Newsline that the preventive shutdown was effected as the city was under under three feet deep water. Power supply would be restored only after the waters receded, he said, adding that teams could be mobilised from Keshod and Junagadh to help in repairs, if necessary. In emergencies, diesel generating sets will also be put up, he added.

Meanwhile, the Board had sought an amount of Rs 50 crores from the State Government Calamity Fund for immediate restoration operations. The Board had suffered a loss of Rs 461 crores in the cyclone, excluding an expected revenue loss for more than 20 days when electricity cut off from a large number of villages, towns and cities.

Although the Power Finance Corporation had agreed to give a loan of Rs 100 crores towards restoration of 66 KV, 132 and 220 KV sub-stations, the GEB is negotiating on the interest rates, Nanda stated. It is also send the Rural Electrification Corporation REC the details it had sought for giving loans.