Uttarakhad: UPCL restored electricity in Harshil of Uttarkashi, 25 kilowatt energy is being produced from micro hydro grid

Due to the recent severe natural disaster in Harshil valley of Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, the power system was completely shut down. Continuous heavy rainfall, landslides and cloudbursts caused severe damage to poles, wires, transformers and sub-installations and due to road blockage, it became a big challenge to deliver relief material and equipment. In this difficult situation, Uttarakhand Power Corporation Limited (UPCL) took prompt and well-planned action and achieved a major feat by restoring power supply in a short time.

This work was completed in two phases. In the first phase, a diesel generator set of 125 KVA capacity was airlifted from Dehradun Airport to Harshil via Chinyalisaur. Along with this, conductors, poles, service lines, insulators and other necessary equipment were also sent by air. In this process, heavy material was transported by helicopter, for which coordination/coordination was maintained with the army and administration. A team of 10 members of UPCL was also transported to Harshil valley with electrical material via helicopter. In the second phase, UPCL engineers and linemen worked day and night on the spot in high alert mode, replaced damaged poles and wires, connected new service lines and started temporary supply through DG sets. Apart from this, solar energy and micro hydro grid were also connected, which could provide stable and continuous electricity in the valley. Let us tell you that 25 kilowatts of energy is being produced from the micro hydro grid, which is supplying electricity to Mukhwa village, the winter place of Maa Ganga ji.

In this entire process, challenges like complex weather, continuous rain, cold and working at height were overcome. Carrying heavy equipment and material by helicopter was technically and logistically complex, but the UPCL team successfully completed the work in minimum time keeping in mind the safety standards. Emergency power backup was immediately made available with the cooperation of local administration, army and public.

UPCL Managing Director Anil Kumar said, “Restoring power in Harshil Valley was a very challenging task, but our team worked quickly to make it possible. This feat was achieved by a combination of airlift operations, high-altitude fieldwork and micro hydro grids.” UPCL sees this success as its commitment to public service and we are committed to providing power supply to consumers even in challenging situations like disaster.