Odisha govt seeks specific deadline for restoration of power

Odisha government has sought a specific deadline from power distribution company Southco for restoration of power supply in cyclone-ravaged Ganjam district.
Apparently dissatisfied with Southco Managing Director's reply to a notice issued earlier, Ganjam district Collector Krishan Kumar yesterday sent another letter to the company, official sources said.
"You have not indicated any deadline or time frame under which you will provide electricity to the citizens and other public utilities. Therefore, you are directed to file a detailed showcause reply," the letter read.
The Southco MD was not immediately available for comment.
The collector had on Thursday issued a showcause notice to Southco MD P K Choudhury, asking why he and some of the senior officers of the company should not be booked under the provisions of Essential Services (Maintenance) Act, 1988, as the company had failed to restore power in the district even a month after the cyclone.

"It has happened only because of dereliction of duty and further not having control over your organisation and not mobilising adequate manpower," the collector had said.
In his reply, the Southco MD had denied of any laxity on his part. He said the damage was severe and that is why the company was taking time to restore the infrastructure.