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.
Karnataka has dispatched 500 skilled electricity workers and specialised equipment to Andhra Pradesh to assist in repairing infrastructure damaged by Cyclone Arnab, according to reports by ANI, The Hindu and Urban Acres.
The move follows a request from the Andhra Pradesh government for manpower and tools to fix power networks. Chief Minister DK Shivakumar spoke with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Monday to promise Karnataka's assistance.
The assistance includes 15 Palfinger trucks with cranes and earth augers, alongside 25 tractor-based drilling machines. More than 15,000 electricity poles were uprooted in the cyclone-affected areas, according to Chief Minister Shivakumar.
The teams were mobilised on an emergency basis on Monday afternoon and arrived in Andhra Pradesh by midnight. Energy Minister KJ George is monitoring the operation, which aims to accelerate repairs and return electricity to affected regions.
To manage the work, each electricity supply company (ESCOM) has appointed a single point of contact to liaise with Andhra Pradesh officials. Linemen have been organised into teams of 10, led by a junior or assistant engineer, with an executive engineer supervising each operations and maintenance circle.
The Karnataka government is providing contingency funds to cover the travel and accommodation costs for the personnel. Shivakumar also noted that the state is monitoring Cyclone Murasu, which is approaching.