The Odisha government on Monday prohibited use of generator sets for private purposes during electrical restoration works in the aftermath of cyclone Yaas.
The move aimed at preventing back current flow to the supply lines which may endanger the lives of electrical workers doing repair restoration works of electrical system.
“It is observed that people use generator sets for private purposes in the aftermath of cyclone or other disaster when electrical infrastructure is damaged. This sometimes causes back current flow to the supply lines which may endanger the lives of electrical workers doing repair/ restoration works of electrical system,” the office of the special relief commissioner said in an order.
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Therefore, the SRC in exercise of the powers conferred under Section 24 (I) of the Disaster Management Act 2005, prohibited use of generator sets for private purposes from 6 AM to 6 PM after the cyclone.
"During electrical restoration work in the aftermath of cyclone or other disaster, use of generator sets for private purposes from 6AM to 6PM is prohibited as the back current from the generator may endanger the lives of electrical workers engaged in repair/ restoration of electrical supply lines/ infrastructure," the SRC said.
The SRC asked authorities of government hospitals, drinking water services and other essential services where generator sets are needed to immediately inform the electricity department so that the restoration teams adopt additional safety measures in those areas.
“The restoration of electricity will be undertaken in a war-footing basis and I appeal all for their cooperation in the process. If people not use generator sets, we can safely employ our teams for the restoration work,” he said.
Any person violating the order will be prosecuted under the provisions of Section 51 to 60 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 and other relevant laws.