Power supply restored to 107 villages in Seraj

The HP State Electricity Board (HPSEB) has restored power supply to 107 of 115 villages in the Seraj region in Mandi district that were struck by a devastating cloudburst and flashfloods on June 30.

According to Chief Engineer, HPSEB, Rajneesh Thakur, the rain disaster had caused extensive damage to power infrastructure, causing an estimated loss of Rs 16 crore. However, the HPSEB team worked round the clock to reconnect the region to the power grid. A total of 62,800 meters of new electrical lines were installed and 502 of 684 damaged electricity poles were reinstalled. He said that power supply to the remaining eight villages was expected to be restored by August 10.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the restoration work was the transportation of heavy equipment through treacherous terrains. As roads were blocked due to landslides and paths had been washed away, labourers and local villagers manually carried 16 new transformers, each weighing 400 kg to 500 kg, across steep hills and water streams. Electric poles were manually transported to up to 4.5 km in areas where vehicles could not reach.

Of 55 transformers damaged during the rain disaster, 36 have been replaced and installed at various critical locations. The restoration of power supply has brought relief to the residents of 107 villages, who have been reeling under darkness for the past one month. Now efforts are underway to restore power supply to the remaining eight villages.

Many villagers have expressed heartfelt gratitude to the HPSEB teams for their relentless efforts. In numerous areas, local youths and panchayat representatives had actively participated in the restoration work, guiding power board workers through the safest possible routes, carrying equipment and offering on-ground support in extremely adverse conditions.

The restoration work involved a dedicated team of 16 officers and 170 labourers, who worked tirelessly, often under physically demanding and dangerous circumstances.

1,700 cumecs water released from Larji dam

• Around 1,700 cumecs of water was released from the Larji Hydroelectric Power Project in Kullu district today due to a significant rise in the level in the Beas and its tributaries
• Officials at the dam said additional water may be discharged depending on further inflow into the Beas
• As a safety measure, hooter sirens are being activated and public announcement vehicles deployed to issue warnings
• The general public, especially tourists and residents living downstream, are strongly advised not to go near riverbanks