The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : 10 power transmission towers collapse due to hailstorm

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Apr 26, 2004

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

10 power transmission towers collapse due to hailstorm

By Our Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD, APRIL 25. Four 400-kv towers, belonging to the Power Grid Corporation and six 132-kv towers of the AP Transco, collapsed late last night due to hailstorm and strong gales disrupting power supply to Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala from central plants and distribution at a number of places in the State.

The 400-kv pylons of the Nagarjunasagar-Gooty transmission line, which is an inter-state corridor, collapsed near Cuddapah town. Five of the six 132-kv towers came down crashing at Bellampalli in Adilabad district, when heavy rain accompanied by gales lashed the area instantaneously tripping supply to Bellampalli, Mancherial, Sirpur Kagaznagar and other towns and many villages around. The sixth tower collapsed in the forest area of Bhadrachalam disrupting supply to the temple town and the neighbouring places.

As an immediate way out, transmission to the southern states was shifted to another alternative high-voltage route, that of Talcher-Kolar which was commissioned recently. The Power Grid commenced salvage works.

The AP Transco began restoration work on a war-footing after resuming supply to the affected areas through 33-kv lines to the extent possible.

The utility's transmission director, G. Kesava Rao, rushed to the Bellampalli area this morning.

A senior Transco official said material and manpower were being deployed for re-erecting the towers.

The official said the spot where the tower collapsed in Bhadrachalam forest was inaccessible and yet men and material were being rushed. He said normalcy would be restored by tomorrow.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Andhra Pradesh