June 20th 2024.
In a joint effort, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and the state government came together to launch a report titled "Disaster Resilient Power Systems for Odisha" at an event held in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday. The report highlighted the impact of heavy rains, flooding, and waterlogging on critical power infrastructure in coastal regions during disasters. It also emphasized the need for enhancing resilience in the power sector to minimize the adverse effects of such events.
The report further stated that disruptions in the power system not only result in high maintenance costs and asset loss but also have a significant impact on socio-economic factors and emergency services. Pradeep Kumar Jena, the Chief Secretary, who joined the event as the chief guest, shared his experience of combating cyclones and the challenges faced during the restoration process. He also acknowledged the efforts made by the state to make the power infrastructure disaster-proof and urged officials to continue working towards making it more resilient.
Jena expressed his belief that the report by CDRI will not only benefit Odisha but also other coastal states and countries in developing disaster-resilient power infrastructure. Hemant Sharma, Principal Secretary of the Industries Department, stated that the concept of disaster resilience in the power sector is universal and not just limited to Odisha. He also emphasized the need for implementing the report's recommendations in other regions as well.
Vishal K Dev, Principal Secretary of the Finance Department, highlighted the state government's efforts in creating a strong foundation for climate-proofing power infrastructure. He stressed the importance of working together to achieve a resilient, sustainable, and better-prepared future to combat the threats posed by the changing environment. Amit Prothi, Director General of CDRI, emphasized the crucial role of the power sector in safeguarding lives and livelihoods during extreme weather events. He also mentioned that the report's recommendations can be replicated in other coastal regions to develop disaster-resilient power infrastructure.
The report included various recommendations for future action that would enhance resilience and ensure reliable power supply during extreme weather events and disasters. These recommendations include upgrading codes and standards for wind zones, incorporating risk assessments into financial planning, and including resilience in policies, training, and capacity-building initiatives. With these measures, the power sector in coastal regions can become more resilient and better equipped to handle disasters and extreme weather events.
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