300 experts for restoration of power supply in Odisha

More than 300 experts are being hired by the Union Power Ministry for restoration of electric supply in cyclone-hit Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.
Vice-chairman of National Disaster Management Authority M Shashidhar Reddy said the 300 electrical experts are being arranged and being deployed immediately in cyclone affected areas in Odisha where there is no power since the cyclone Phailin hit on Saturday.
"Works are on in war footing to restore power supply as early as possible. Power supply is completely disrupted as electric connections are snapped and hundreds of poles are uprooted," he told PTI from Odisha where he is on a visit to cyclone-hit areas.

Reddy said 1,200 personnel of National Disaster Response Force and 400 personnel of Odisha Disaster Response Force continue to engage in relief and rescue operations, especially in worst-hit Ganjam district.
The NDMA Vice-Chairman said 149 additional cyclone shelters are being constructed in Odisha under a World bank funded scheme. The cyclone shelters can withstand wind-speeds up to 300 kmph.
Reddy said the NDMA would soon submit a proposal to the Central government for expanding the scope of the ongoing Rs 1,487 crore World Bank assisted National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project (NCRMP).

He said during his visit, he reviewed the situation in Odisha with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, state Revenue Minister and senior officials.

Detailed discussions were held on the assistance required by the state government.
Reddy suggested that the state government should strictly follow norms for funding under National and State Disaster Response Funds while preparing representations.
"I have suggested that the ongoing NCRMP can provide a window for many requirements that the state will have after cyclone," he said.