Tripura Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath on Wednesday chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the readiness of the power department ahead of the impending nor-wester season. With weather disturbances and storms frequently disrupting electricity supply during this period, the minister emphasized the importance of swift action and robust preparedness. He directed all officials and engineers to remain alert and to treat every warning from the meteorological department as a call to immediate action.
The minister expressed concern over the damage caused by previous nor-westers and reminded officials that timely intervention can prevent prolonged blackouts and infrastructure losses. He urged department engineers to coordinate closely with the disaster management teams and district administrations to ensure seamless communication in times of crisis. Ratan Lal Nath emphasized the need to stock emergency equipment and materials in advance, especially in storm-prone subdivisions and remote areas that often face prolonged outages.
Officials presented status reports on vulnerable transmission lines, transformers, and substations. The minister instructed them to complete maintenance and reinforcement work before the next nor-wester hits the state. He stressed that public inconvenience caused by power disruptions must be minimized through proactive measures rather than reactive responses. Engineers informed him about ongoing work to strengthen low-tension lines and replace outdated components in rural pockets. The minister appreciated these efforts but reminded them that the pace of work must increase in the coming days.
Ratan Lal Nath asked the department to ensure all helpline numbers remain active 24/7 during the peak storm season. He warned that any delay in addressing public complaints would not be tolerated. The minister called for mobile repair units to be deployed at strategic points and said that control rooms must function with full staffing levels. He directed officials to keep vehicles, fuel, and equipment ready for quick movement, especially in hilly regions where access becomes difficult during heavy rains and wind.
The meeting saw participation from senior engineers, field officers, and technical staff who briefed the minister on the areas most vulnerable to storm-related outages. The officials agreed that Agartala, Dharmanagar, Udaipur, and Khowai needed special attention because of their population density and load requirements. They assured the minister that each subdivision was reviewing its contingency plans and that mock drills would be conducted to test readiness.
The minister reminded the department that nor-westers don’t just test infrastructure but also the resilience of human systems. He encouraged engineers and line staff to remain motivated and prepared for long working hours under challenging conditions. He promised incentives and commendation for those who respond promptly and efficiently during emergencies. Nath also asked senior officers to ensure all field workers have safety gear and medical kits before the season intensifies.
Tripura has witnessed increasing instances of sudden storms, lightning, and rainfall in recent years. The minister acknowledged the impact of climate change on storm patterns and urged the department to use weather forecasting technology to improve response time. He also said the government would explore the possibility of building more resilient underground cabling systems in high-risk zones, though such projects would require long-term planning and funding.
The meeting concluded with the minister reiterating the government’s commitment to ensuring uninterrupted power supply and public safety during the nor-wester season. He said Chief Minister Manik Saha had given clear instructions to all departments to remain fully prepared and that the power department bore a key responsibility in maintaining normal life during stormy days.
As nor-wester clouds begin to gather in Tripura’s skies, the power department braces itself to respond with readiness and resolve. With leadership from the top and coordination across districts, the state hopes to minimize the disruptions and keep the lights on, even in the face of fierce winds.
