In a review meeting held at Vidyut Bhawan regarding preparations for uninterrupted and safe power supply in Patna and across Bihar during the upcoming festivals, Energy Secretary Mr. Manoj Kumar Singh directed strict adherence to safety standards regarding power supply to pandals and surrounding areas. He directed senior officials concerned to personally visit the pandals and speak with pandal operators to ensure strict adherence to safety standards.

S.B.P.D.C. MD Mr. Mahendra Kumar and NBPDCL MD Mr. Rahul Kumar, along with senior officials from headquarters and field levels, were present at the meeting.

Mr. Singh instructed that for safety reasons, power supply should be shut off along all immersion routes during the immersion. He said that special care should be taken to ensure that power supply to the immersion routes remains shut off on the day of immersion. Power supply should be restored only after the immersion is complete.

He also stated that preparations for uninterrupted and safe power supply for Chhath should also begin.

It is worth noting that preparations have been made to immediately replace transformers with higher capacity in the event of a transformer burning or failing due to a sudden increase in load during the festivals. All necessary materials, including transformers, oil, and transformer carrying trolleys, have been arranged for this purpose. Proper maintenance of all 33 kV and 11 kV lines, as well as distribution substations, will be completed before Navratri. Guard wires will also be installed at road crossings and other crowded areas. The department's team is patrolling the areas surrounding the puja pandals to repair loose and worn electrical wires. Where there are no cover wires, wire separators are being installed to prevent any untoward incident in the event of a wire breakage. Furthermore, pandal operators will ensure that each pandal in their area receives temporary power connections as per the regulations.

Necessary maintenance of 33 kV lines, 11 kV lines, and LT lines is also being carried out. To ensure uninterrupted power supply to the pandals, essential maintenance work is being carried out at all 33/11 kV power substations. Jumpers on 33 kV, 11 kV, and LT lines have been repaired. AB cables or covered conductors are being replaced on 11 kV and LT lines around pandals in crowded areas. In addition, DTR fencing and dielectric paint or polyethylene sheets are being applied to electrical poles. Temporary control rooms will also be established, where 24-hour presence of electrical engineers will be ensured.

In view of the increased load during the festivals, Energy Secretary Mr. Singh directed that all maintenance work be completed on time and in accordance with SOPs. He also directed that adequate backup materials be kept in storage to ensure supply is not disrupted in case of an emergency. He urged special vigilance in pandal areas, adherence to safety standards, and regular inspections. He called for special attention to the safety of temporary connections and taping where necessary. He also directed that the fuse call center number for that area be displayed in each pandal.

The Energy Secretary stated that the entire energy family is prepared to ensure uninterrupted, quality power supply during Durga Puja. Fuse call center numbers will be available in all pandals in case of an electrical emergency. Our helpline will be operational 24 hours a day. He urged consumers to adhere to electrical safety rules and extended advance Puja greetings.