Disaster management of power system- holistic view Sachdeva M.L.1, Sodha N.S.2 1Former Chief Engineer, C.E.A. 2Former Executive Director, Power Grid Online published on 15 October, 2020. Abstract Countries around the globe have been experiencing increased in frequency, intensity and impact of disasters both Natural mostly attributed to changing environment (Forest fire, Hurricanes, Storms, Landslides, Earthquakes, tsunamis) and manmade events (cyberattack, act of terrorism on public centers, power & communication facilities and industrial centers and its societal impact. Center and States to implement Guidelines issued by National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) & other authorized entities thru 24x7x365 fully staffed & fully equipped Disaster management centers and carry out mock drills and periodical training. Digitized Mapping with GPS& Apps of disaster-prone areas and facilities along with special communication devices (Satellite Phone ,Two-Way Radio, Citizens Band Radio, Amateur Radio/HAM Radio) shall be readily made available to help information and recovery Digitization of health services, banking & trading facilities, industries, communication centers & induction of e-Mobility need uninterrupted around the clock power supply. Though all the facilities including Electricity and Communication are planned, designed and operated as per National / International standards and country practices but electricity and communication installations have to face the brunt of increased number and magnitude of natural calamities and as such design and operation inputs due to climatic changes need revalidation. The maps of wind, temperature, rainfall, seismic, etc. need to modified and updated on the basis of measurements made during the events and equipment / installation to be standardized / hardened to cater for disasters. The operation and maintenance practices / procedures having far bearing damaging effect on country economy and resources also need revalidation as per disaster prone areas To strengthen communication system as a part of disaster management, Power Grid under ‘Disaster Management’ Role have modified its OPGW network on Transmission lines to provide connectivity to the talukas & Panchayats falling within its corridors of transmission network, Sharing its rugged and sturdy transmission tower infrastructure for installing GSM radio antennas to provide connectivity to district HQ/ Talukas & Panchayats falling with in the corridor of 50 Kms of its transmission network, Emergency Restoration System (ERS) in case of tower failures as also restoring communication network on OPGW. Top Keywords Disasters natural & man-made, Identification of Danger Zones, NDMA guidelines, Digitized maps, Revalidations of Maps & Equipment standard, Hardening of existing facilities, Mock drills. Top |