- By Kamakshi Bishnoi
- Sun, 14 Sep 2025 05:29 PM (IST)
- Source:Jagran News Network
The recent disaster in Uttarakhand has exposed critical weaknesses in the state’s power infrastructure, underscoring the urgent need for a disaster-resilient system. Losses exceeding Rs 100 crore and widespread electricity disruptions in hilly regions have highlighted the importance of adopting a systematic approach to safeguard the network during natural calamities.
Currently, Uttarakhand’s Energy Department lacks essential features such as AI integration, seismic sensors, and a digital control room, all of which are crucial for disaster management. While the state has initiated steps with support from central government schemes and the Asian Development Bank, including laying 537 km of underground cables and planning the installation of 354 ring main units and 99 compact substations, the efforts remain in the early stages.
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Other states have already taken significant measures to make power systems disaster-resilient. Odisha, for instance, has implemented ducted cabling, raised substations above flood levels, reinforced transmission towers, and strengthened the network against cyclones and floods. Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal have launched a ‘Disaster Resource Inventory for Power Sector’ portal to efficiently utilise available resources during emergencies.
Globally, Japan provides a benchmark for disaster-resilient energy infrastructure. Seismic sensors in the Japanese power grid detect tremors and immediately trigger automatic shutdowns at substations and power plants. Their digital control system monitors weather, water levels, and wind speeds, allowing for grid rerouting or load shifting during floods, storms, or other hazards.
Experts suggest Uttarakhand can strengthen its energy sector by redesigning electricity infrastructure based on high-risk zone mapping, raising vulnerable feeders and substations, flood-proofing and reinforcing poles and towers, maintaining regional spare-part storage, deploying battery energy storage systems, and adopting a distributed energy model for local power generation.
“Work is progressing rapidly to make UPCL's power system disaster-resilient. Several projects, from underground cabling to modern infrastructure upgrades, are underway. The disaster has taught many lessons, and the new action plan will focus on making the system even more disaster-proof,” said Madanram Arya, Director of Operations, UPCL.