Patna: Energy department secretary and Bihar State Power Holding Company Limited (BSPHCL) chairperson-cum-managing director Ajay Yadav on Saturday asked field officers to ensure uninterrupted and safe electricity supply across the state during Durga Puja.Chairing a videoconference with officers from all electricity zones, Yadav asked field engineers to complete the replacement of dilapidated wires around Puja pandals and fair areas within the stipulated time. He said 11kV bare conductors passing through crowded locations or above pandals must be fitted with covered conductors or protected with guard wires.Yadav asked officers in all electricity circles to coordinate with district administrations and keep fuse call centres on alert for round-the-clock monitoring of supply and safety arrangements in mela areas. He also directed engineers to apply dielectric paint or polythene sheets on iron electricity poles at crowded locations to reduce the risk of electric shock. All bare low-tension wires should be converted into aerial bundled cables, he said.The secretary ordered fencing of distribution transformers supplying power to pandals and fair sites in high-footfall areas on priority. He also directed the setting up of a 24×7 control room at headquarters to monitor power supply and respond promptly to emergencies. Adequate officers and personnel should be deployed at the divisional level, he said.Yadav also asked officials to take steps to ensure safe and reliable electricity supply, as far as possible, in flood-affected areas.Regional officers said maintenance of power substations, 33kV and 11kV lines, and distribution substations was underway for Durga Puja.
