Srinagar, July 20: With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds, the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) on Monday issued a detailed public safety advisory and directed all field staff to remain on high alert to safeguard lives, protect power infrastructure and ensure uninterrupted essential electricity services.
KPDCL warned that severe weather could uproot trees, trigger landslides, cause flooding and damage overhead power lines, transformers, poles and other electrical installations. It said temporary power shutdowns may be undertaken at vulnerable locations to ensure public safety and facilitate emergency restoration.
The Corporation urged people to stay away from electric poles, transformers, feeder pillars, overhead wires and other electrical installations during the adverse weather, cautioning that damaged or fallen conductors should always be treated as live and dangerous.
Residents have also been advised to avoid waterlogged areas with electrical infrastructure, refrain from carrying out electrical repairs during rainfall or while standing on wet surfaces, and switch off the main power supply only if it can be done safely in case floodwater enters homes or commercial establishments.
People living in flood- and landslide-prone areas have been asked to remain vigilant, maintain a safe distance from overhead power lines while carrying out outdoor activities, and avoid taking shelter beneath electric poles or transformers during thunderstorms.
KPDCL has appealed to the public to immediately report snapped wires, damaged poles, sparking or any hazardous electrical installations to the nearest power office and cooperate with restoration teams for speedy repair works.
Meanwhile, all Superintending Engineers, Executive Engineers, Sub-Divisional Officers and field staff have been directed to continuously monitor the distribution network and keep emergency response teams equipped with adequate manpower, vehicles, safety gear and restoration materials.
The Corporation said priority will be given to restoring electricity to hospitals, water supply installations, communication networks, security establishments and other essential services. Field officers have also been instructed to coordinate closely with the district administration in case of landslides, road blockages or tree falls affecting power infrastructure.
KPDCL has designated a nodal officer to monitor the situation and directed all subordinate offices to provide hourly updates on feeder status. Major breakdowns, prolonged outages and public safety incidents are to be reported immediately.
The Corporation said consumers will be kept informed about outages, restoration efforts and safety measures through all available communication platforms and appealed to the public to strictly follow the advisory until weather conditions improve.
