Ranchi: A week of intermittent thunderstorms, lightning strikes, and gusty winds has severely damaged the power infrastructure in Ranchi district. Jharkhand Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (JBVNL) is working on a war footing to restore normalcy after inclement weather affected local grids, officials said on Monday.
Extent of Damage
Manmohan Kumar, general manager of the JBVNL Ranchi Supply Area Board, told TOI, "Since rain and thunderstorm started on April 28, over 100 poles and more than 50 transformers have been damaged across the district, and we have been working continuously to repair or replace them." According to officials, over 100 electricity poles have been damaged by winds, while many wires were broken due to trees and branches falling on them. Additionally, more than 50 transformers have been damaged due to lightning strikes or internal short-circuits caused by falling trees and debris.
Repair Efforts and Challenges
Repair crews have been deployed across the district, though intermittent rain and the threat of further lightning continue to hamper safety and progress. Kumar said, "We are repairing the damaged infrastructure immediately as we get complaints. Also, we are continuously pruning branches around areas where we have wires, poles, and transformers to minimize wind damage."
Impact on Residents
The damages are leading to long-duration power cuts across the city, with citizens questioning the infrastructure quality. "The moment heavy rain starts, power is disrupted. Every year we are promised that there would be fewer power cuts, but this has been a regular feature for decades," said Mayank Singh, a local businessman. Aarti Srivastava, a homemaker, added, "Be it cooking or cleaning, nowadays most household chores rely on electrical devices. In such a situation, long power cuts make it really difficult to get work done."
Safety Measures
Kumar pointed out that power cuts are necessary to prevent accidents. "We need to cut power during heavy storms or when repairing damaged infrastructure to prevent accidents. We are working on a war footing to ensure that residents don't face many problems," he said. On preventive measures during thunderstorms, Kumar advised that people should stay away from power infrastructure like transformers, poles, or wires. "They should get earth leakage circuit breakers and surge protection devices installed in their households. In case of a short-circuit or fire, they should immediately inform the energy department."
