Power restored to Kutch towns

The Japanese government today offered to give 100 diesel generating sets for the cyclone-affected areas. However, official sources said so many sets may not be necessary, as power supply had already been restored in 12,052 of the 13,564 affected villages, and 31 diesel sets were in operation. Also, according to Member Administration S K Nanda, it would not be easy to despatch generating sets to water-logged areas. However, he added that the sets could be kept on stand-by for areas that may not get power in the next few days.

Nanda emphasised that the diesel generating sets would come in handy only if they were sent at the earliest.

Nanda said that the Board had asked for 100 diesel generating sets 8212; 50 pieces of 50 KVA sets, 25 pieces of 100 KVA sets and 25 pieces of 200 KVA sets 8212; on Tuesday, after State Commissioner of Gujarat S C Buch called up from New Delhi to learn the Board8217;s requirements.

Meanwhile, Board Member Technical K K Vaghela told Express Newsline that 8220;the transmission towers restored in the wake of the cyclone havoc are not safe8221; and could collapse in the face of high velocity winds. However, other officers said high velocity winds were a remote possibility.

Nanda said that in many cases the Board was going in for fabrication as readymade towers, which could be assembled within three days, were not available.

So far as permanent structures were concerned, Nanda said the work would depend upon the number of teams deployed. Currently there are five-odd teams, including men from the Power Grid Corporation 8212; a Government company working between Panandhro and Anjar 8212; restoring wrecked infrastructure.