The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and the Government of Odisha have jointly launched a new report that looks at how to make the power infrastructure in state more resilient to disasters.
The report titled “Disaster Resilient Power Systems for Odisha,” outlines key recommendations aimed at enhancing the resilience of power infrastructure in coastal regions, particularly those prone to cyclones, hurricanes, and floods.
The report addresses the significant challenges faced by Odisha’s power sector during extreme weather events.
Heavy rains, flooding, and severe waterlogging often disrupt the functioning of critical power infrastructure, leading to high maintenance costs, asset loss, socio-economic impacts, and delays in emergency response services.
WHAT ALL DID THE REPORT REVEAL?
Key findings from the report reveal that over 30 per cent of distribution substations in Odisha are located within 20 kilometers of the coast, making them highly vulnerable to extreme weather.
Additionally, 75 percent of distribution lines were commissioned more than 30 years ago, and 80 percent of poles are susceptible to high wind speeds. The report also highlights the need to update wind speed maps to better account for extreme weather events.
To address these vulnerabilities, the report recommends enhancing codes and standards for wind zones, integrating risk assessments into financial planning, and incorporating resilience components into policy frameworks.
Training and capacity-building initiatives are also emphasized to ensure effective implementation.
Amit Prothi, Director General of CDRI, stressed the importance of resilient power systems in safeguarding lives and livelihoods in vulnerable regions. “The resilience of the power sector to extreme weather events is pivotal in safeguarding lives and livelihoods, particularly those in vulnerable regions. Recommendations from our study on climate and disaster resilient power systems can be applied across coastal regions to enable disaster resilient power infrastructure,” Prothi stated.
Pradeep Kumar Jena, Chief Secretary of the Government of Odisha, shared his experiences in combating cyclones and the challenges in restoring power infrastructure. He urged officials to prioritise resilience in infrastructure development. “This beginning by CDRI will help other coastal states in India and many countries to come up with disaster resilient power infrastructure,” Jena remarked.
The report’s methodologies and recommendations are expected to serve as a model for other coastal regions, both within India and globally, aiming to build disaster-resilient power systems.
This initiative marks a significant step towards mitigating the impacts of climate change and ensuring sustainable development in vulnerable areas.