Arora asks PSPCL to step up disaster response after storm damage

Chandigarh: Punjab power minister Sanjeev Arora on Tuesday directed Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) to strengthen disaster preparedness and ensure faster restoration after severe storms hit the state on May 3.Chairing a review meeting, Arora called for preventive maintenance, infrastructure upgrades, quicker response systems and better field coordination to reduce consumer hardship. He also stressed improving grievance redressal.Officials said Mohali, Patiala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Amritsar and Gurdaspur were among the worst-affected districts. While the 66 kV network remained largely intact, distribution infrastructure took a hit — around 1,300 feeders were disrupted, nearly 1,500 poles damaged, over 300 transformers affected and more than 70 km of lines impacted. One 220 kV tower was also damaged. Losses were pegged at about Rs 8 crore.PSPCL attended over 83,000 complaints, with nearly 70% resolved within two hours. Power supply was restored across affected areas within 24 hours through the main network or alternate arrangements, while repair work continues.Arora emphasised zero tolerance for delays during emergencies and said the govt was committed to reliable and uninterrupted power supply.