CESC helplines for Puja organisers to address power problems

Kolkata: CESC will start a dedicated helpline from Friday to address the problem of the Durga organisers with utmost priority. The Puja organisers will be given necessary assistance regarding application for power connection, problem with power supply or for any other exigency. The helpline numbers will be 9831079666 and 9831083700.

Addressing a press conference in the city, Avijit Ghosh, vice-president (Distribution) said the CESC is taking all necessary measures for a safe and bright Durga Puja.

"As per our estimates, the demand will be the highest on the day of Shashti and is expected to go up to 1,860 MW and on the day of Saptami, it may reach 1,650 MW. We are ready to meet the extra demand for power during the festival," Ghosh reiterated.

According to him, the demand is highest on the day of Shashti as most of the offices remain open on that day.

It may be mentioned that on June 18 this year, the CESC has been able to cater to a demand of 2131 MW. On June 19 in the year 2017, the CESC had met the demand of 2,159 MW successfully.

He added that the CESC is giving special emphasis on electrical safety to avoid any unfortunate incident. "We will be conducting regular surveillance at the Puja pandals to ensure that there is no hooking or attempts to procure power in illegal manner," a senior CESC official said.

CESC has asked the Puja organisers to use fire-resistant low-smoke cables within the pandals to reduce the risk of electrical fire. They have been directed to avoid old/frayed wires as well.

"The joints in wirings should be avoided as far as possible. In case this is unavoidable, the joints should be carefully insulated/taped," the official added.

The electricians have been informed about the importance of all electrical connections being earthed properly.

It may be mentioned that last year more than 77 percent of the applications from Puja organisers came online and all of them were processed in quick time.