Karnataka sends 500 workers and equipment to help Andhra Pradesh restore power
The deployment follows a request from Andhra Pradesh to repair electricity infrastructure damaged by Cyclone Arnab.
The Karnataka government has dispatched 500 skilled powermen and specialised machinery to Andhra Pradesh to assist in repairing electricity infrastructure damaged by Cyclone Arnab, according to ANI and The Hindu.
The assistance follows a request from the Andhra Pradesh government for manpower and equipment to restore power supply in regions affected by the cyclone.
The deployment includes 15 Palfinger trucks featuring cranes and earth augers, along with 25 drilling machines mounted on tractors. The teams were mobilised on an emergency basis, leaving on Monday afternoon and arriving by midnight.
Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar spoke with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu to assure him of full support. Shivakumar stated that restoring electricity is an urgent requirement for the well-being of affected people.
Under the supervision of Energy Minister K J George, the linemen have been organised into 10-member teams. Each group is led by a junior or assistant engineer, while an executive engineer from each operations and maintenance circle will oversee coordination.
To facilitate the work, each electricity supply company (ESCOM) has appointed a single point of contact to liaise with Andhra Pradesh officials. The Karnataka government is also providing contingency funds for the travel and accommodation of the personnel.