Vijayawada: With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a red alert for heavy rains in Visakhapatnam, Anakapalle, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema, Kakinada, West Godavari, and other districts of the state, chief secretary K Vijayanand has directed power utilities to remain on high alert and take all necessary precautions to safeguard public safety and ensure uninterrupted power supply.The chief secretary reviewed the situation through a teleconference with power utility officials, emphasizing the urgent need for preparedness in light of the red alert. He instructed officials to be ready for rapid restoration of power in affected areas and stressed the importance of quick response to damage caused by heavy rains and strong winds.He urged discom chiefs to stockpile sufficient materials and arrange transport facilities for the districts likely to be affected. Additionally, officials were directed to position small generators and dewatering pumps at vulnerable points for emergency use. To prevent electrocution accidents, Vijayanand emphasised that feeders should be properly switched off when required during severe weather.The chief secretary ordered the establishment of round-the-clock control rooms and the appointment of nodal officers to ensure effective coordination. He also called for keeping JCBs, cranes, and power saws on standby for restoration work, while maintaining close coordination with local administration and disaster management authorities. Special precautions near Ganesh pandals during the upcoming festive season were highlighted to ensure electrical safety.He added that chief minister Chandrababu Naidu and energy minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar are personally monitoring the power supply and public safety measures across the State.Vijayanand reiterated the state government’s commitment to providing 24×7 quality power supply to all consumers and a 9-hour free daytime supply to agriculture, describing it as a major boon for farmers. He directed utilities to be fully prepared to meet peak demand without interruptions. He also stressed that all staff, from linemen to senior officers, remain vigilant and refrain from taking holidays until the situation stabilises.The review meeting was attended by JMD (HRD) AP Transco Kirthi Chekuri, CMDs of discoms Prudhvi Tej, P Pulla Reddy and K Santosha Rao, director (Grid) APTRANSCO AKV Bhaskar, director (Technical) AP Transco J V Rao and other senior officials.
