Another storm disrupts power supply in Punjab

Tribune News Service
Patiala, June 1

A thunderstorm hit the region for the second time in as many days on Monday, snapping power supply to several parts of Punjab. Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) officials are still working to restore power to many areas.

Thundershowers and strong wind snapped off power lines in parts of Fazilka, Muktsar, Bathinda, Barnala, Moga, Sangrur, Patiala, Mansa, Ludhiana and Fatehgarh Sahib, officials said.

Cotton fields, orchards inundated in Abohar

Abohar: Hailstorm and rain caused a widespread damage in Abohar, Sriganganagar and Hanumangarh on Monday night. Three breaches occurred in different canals, inundating recently sown cotton fields and fruit orchards spread over hundreds of acres across the region. Besides uprooting hundreds of trees, the hailstorm damaged solar panels at various places. Power supply was disrupted in many areas. OC

Electricity poles were reportedly damaged in many villages across the districts. Various educational institutions in Fatehgarh Sahb, including SGGS World University and BBSB Engineering College, were without power. Though the electricity supply had been restored to major parts of the district, residents complained that customer care centres and PSPCL officials were not responding to their calls. Surinder Singh Bains, Executive Engineer, PSPCL, Fatehgarh Sahib, said officials were trying to rectify the faults.

“Around 10 pm on Monday, the power load of whole Punjab touched a low of 3,400 MW, which meant that most of the state faced almost a blackout-like situation. This low load in peak summer is alarming. Usually, 3,000 MW is the load during the peak winter in December and January,” a top PSPCL official said. “Our officials are working hard in the field, but due to high-velocity winds, our field staff is finding it hard to rectify the problem,” an official said.

Later, senior PSPCL officials said after restoring supply to most cities in Punjab, work was under way to resume power to villages. “All officers in the field are working tirelessly as the high winds for two days have caused ample damage,” they said. Meanwhile, the PSEB Engineers’ Association announced its “Work to rules protest” from June 1. “No engineer will work beyond his normal duty hours, including in power breakdown cases. Engineers will not perform the duties of subordinate staff and will perform their duty as per their present place of posting,” they said.