Burla, 1 June 2026: Western Odisha is facing one of the most severe Kal Baisakhi seasons this year.
The frequency and intensity of thunderstorms this year have been far higher than normal, with
violent squalls hitting the region almost every evening for the past two weeks.
In the last fortnight alone, consumers across Sambalpur, Bargarh, Jharsuguda, Sundargarh, Bolangir,
Sonepur, Kalahandi, Nuapada and Deogarh districts have been severely impacted. The relentless
storms have caused catastrophic damage to the power distribution infrastructure. Preliminary
assessment indicates that more than 1000 electric poles have been uprooted, Approx 2500+
kilometers of 33kV,11Kv and LT lines snapped, and distribution transformers damaged or toppled
due to fallen trees and flying debris.
TPWODL’s Operations & Maintenance and Projects teams have been working round-the-clock
under extremely hostile weather conditions to restore supply. Over 7863 linemen, officers, and
business associates have been deployed across the five districts. Apart from above manpower approx.
1000 nos of manpower have been engaged in restoration work from project. In areas where massive
trees blocked access to fault locations, TPWODL is actively coordinating with ODRAF and Fire
Services teams for tree clearance and road access. 65 nos Hydra ,62 nos pole-master, 30 nos
dewatering pumps, tree pruners 876 nos and 338 nos vehicles have been mobilized for rapid pole
erection and line stringing.
Restoration work is being severely hampered as incidents are repeating every evening. Fresh faults
are developing even as team clear previous ones, making it a battle against nature itself. In the latest
incident on 30th May 2026, sudden gale winds lashed the region, leading to nearly 17 lakh
consumers losing supply in across Sambalpur, Rourkela, Bargarh, Kalahandi, Bolangir, Jharsuguda,
Sonepur and Deogarh districts.
Despite these challenges, TPWODL teams have shown extraordinary commitment. As of 5 PM on
31 st May, power supply to over 99.5% of the affected consumers has already been restored on a war-
footing. Teams are working through the night with floodlights and emergency supplies to normalize
the remaining pockets. Complete restoration across all affected areas is expected by early morning
tomorrow.
“These are extraordinary circumstances. Our teams are out in the field amid lightning, rain, and
fallen trees, with safety as our top priority. I salute their courage. We understand the hardship faced
by consumers and assure them that every TPWODL employee is on the ground right now to bring
back power,” said Parveen Verma, Chief Executive Officer, TPWODL.
TPWODL is committed to ensuring safe and early restoration for every consumer. We sincerely seek
the support, patience, and cooperation of our valued consumers during this critical phase. Citizens
are requested to stay away from snapped conductors and report any unsafe condition immediately on
our 24×7 helpline or call centre.
Unprecedented Kal Baisakhi Storms Batter Western Odisha; TPWODL Deploys War-Footing Restoration with Over 7500+ Personnel Across 9 Districts
