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 31st 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.
