Severe Storm in Jaisalmer Topples 1,500 Power Poles, Electricity Services Disrupted

Jaisalmer, June 3: A severe storm accompanied by heavy rainfall in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, has caused significant damage to the power department. Approximately 1,500 electricity poles have fallen across the district, leading to a complete power outage in around 200 villages.

The storm and heavy rain have resulted in a blackout lasting over 16 hours in rural areas. The Jodhpur Discom has reported losses amounting to nearly 2.5 crore rupees. Alongside the power disruption, a drinking water crisis has also emerged, with Mohangarh and Chandhan being the most affected regions.

Additionally, the electrical connection to about 200 villages, including Khuiyala, Siyambar, Sangad, Chelak, and Polji Dairy, has been severed from the district headquarters. Strong winds have damaged several transformers, and many critical 33 kV and 11 kV lines have been affected.

Bhairaram Chaudhary, the Superintending Engineer of Jaisalmer, informed reporters that over 1,500 power poles fell during the storm on Monday night. Several transformers and wires have also been damaged. The damage assessment may increase as reports continue to come in from remote areas. Teams from Jodhpur Discom are actively working to restore the damaged lines and feeders.

He stated that the department’s priority is to restore major feeders and high-voltage lines first. Power supply in Pokhran and Jaisalmer city was restored on the same night. However, it may take 24 to 48 hours for electricity supply to normalize in rural areas. The power outage has caused significant inconvenience to villagers, and drinking water supply has also been affected, leading to shortages in several villages.

Discom officials have reported that all available resources are being utilized to restore power as quickly as possible. Additional personnel and materials are being dispatched to the affected areas. Despite the challenges of reaching remote villages, teams are continuously working. Residents in the impacted areas have been urged to maintain a safe distance from fallen poles and wires to avoid any accidents.