Barang, 19th July 2025: A high-capacity power line located in the middle of the Mahanadi river near Sanamunduli under Barang block developed a fault in its insulator, disrupting electricity supply from Thursday. On Friday, personnel from the Barang Fire Services first reached the site, followed by the Electricity Department workers who, with assistance from the NDRF, carried out repair work in the deep waters of the Mahanadi.
Reportedly, on Thursday, power supply from Baripada to Pandibilli was disrupted due to a mechanical fault in a 132 KV power line passing through the river. The defect was detected in the insulator of the high-capacity tower located in the river. Upon receiving information, Nihar Ranjan Jena, an official of Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL), confirmed the fault.
Due to the late hour and the high water level in the Mahanadi, immediate repair work could not be undertaken. As a result, power supply remained disrupted. The fast-flowing floodwaters made it impossible for electricity department staff to enter the river for repairs.
On Friday morning, fire department personnel from Barang reached the spot. Later, a team of 32 NDRF personnel, along with 6 experienced linemen, used a machine boat to access the damaged power tower located in the river’s deep water and carried out repair work.
Under the leadership of NDRF Deputy Commandant Praveen Chauhan, a team equipped with various tools was present on-site to assist. Following the successful repair, electricity supply along the affected route was restored to normal.
The entire repair operation, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. — lasting six hours — focused on fixing the faulty insulator. After completion, power flow returned to normal along the route.
No responses yet