IMD issues heavy rainfall alert for Andaman & Nicobar Islands as cyclonic circulation intensifies
New Delhi: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a weather alert for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify from November 21. According to officials, heavy to very heavy rainfall of 7–20 cm is likely at one or two places in the Nicobar Islands, while the Andaman Islands may receive heavy rainfall of 7–11 cm. Sea conditions are expected to remain rough.
A Local Cautionary Signal-3 has been hoisted at Port Blair Port. Authorities have advised boat operators, islanders, and tourists to exercise extreme caution due to the possibility of surging waves. Fishermen have been warned against venturing into the sea along and off the North Andaman Sea until November 23 because of the likelihood of high waves.
In view of the IMD advisory, the Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS) is likely to reschedule inter-island vessel operations. Harbour and vehicle ferry services at Chatham, Bambooflat, Dundas Point, Hopetown, and Phoenix Bay may face disruptions or suspension at short notice depending on weather conditions.
The IMD said a low-pressure area is expected to form over the southeast Bay of Bengal around November 22, which may intensify into a depression over the central parts of the south Bay of Bengal on November 24. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely over the Andaman & Nicobar Islands on November 21 and 22, and heavy rainfall is expected again on November 23 and 24.
According to the latest bulletin, an upper-air cyclonic circulation has developed over the central parts of the Strait of Malacca and extends up to 5.8 km above sea level. Under its influence, the system may move west-northwestwards and strengthen further over the southwest Bay of Bengal over the next 48 hours. If it develops into a cyclonic storm, it will be named Cyclone Senyar, a name suggested by the UAE.
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Power tariffs under BESCOM to rise from May 1
Bengaluru (PTI): Power bills for consumers under the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM) will go up from May 1, following an order issued by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) on Friday.
The hike comes after KERC allowed the BESCOM to recover a revenue deficit of Rs 2,068 crore incurred in 2024-25, from the consumers.
As a result, for every unit of electricity consumed in 2024-25, the customers will be charged an additional 56 paise, it said.
"BESCOM shall calculate, for each of the active consumers of FY2024-25 the amount to be recovered based on their actual energy consumption during FY2024-25. Such amount shall be recovered during FY 2026-27 in equal monthly instalments, to be called as 'FY25 True up Charges', commencing from the first meter reading date falling on or after 1 May 2026 and concluding with the reading date ending on 30 April 2027," the order said.
"It is further ordered that BESCOM shall maintain a separate head of account, allocated for the purpose, to record the adjustment of the said amount to ensure full recovery of the deficit," it added.
Similarly Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (CESC) has also recorded a revenue deficit of Rs 121.71 crore and can collect an additional 15 paisa per unit for consumption in 2024-25, official sources said.
