Dikhyaa Mohanty 
On Wednesday, a high-level ministerial conference was held at Lok Seva Bhawan to evaluate the state of Odisha’s improvements to its electricity infrastructure, with a particular emphasis on high-tension power lines. Deputy Chief Minister and Energy Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo presided over the meeting, which was attended by senior officials, Law, Works, and Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, and Ministers of Revenue and Disaster Management Suresh Pujari.
By resolving Right of Way (RoW) issues and moving or replacing dangerous power lines, the state is proactively bolstering its electrical infrastructure. Updates and information on current initiatives were provided by representatives of the state’s four distribution firms (Discoms), the Odisha Power Generation Corporation (OPGC), and the Odisha Power Transmission Corporation Limited (OPTCL).
The panel also reviewed departmental norms and discussed ways to control fly ash in regions like Jharsuguda. Plans to execute these directions will be finalized at a follow-up meeting, guaranteeing efficient operational and environmental management. Among the important participants were OPTCL CMD Bhaskar Jyoti Sharma, Principal Secretary of the Energy Department Vishal Kumar Dev, and other high-ranking officials who offered insightful advice to direct the state’s power sector changes.
