The Gujarat government has taken a decisive step to fortify its critical power infrastructure against the growing menace of cyberattacks. On Wednesday, the state administration announced the formation of two dedicated bodies: an 11-member core committee and a 19-member task force. This move comes in direct response to the heightened risk of deliberate cyber intrusions in the current global geopolitical landscape.
Urgent Need for a Digital Shield
In an official notification released on Wednesday, the state's Energy and Petrochemicals Department (EPD) underscored the power sector's pivotal role. It highlighted that any disruption could trigger severe consequences for the economy and society. The department pointed out that the sector's rapid digital transformation, while boosting efficiency, has also widened the attack surface for potential threats.
The integration of advanced technologies like Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, smart meters, and interconnected smart grids has made the network more vulnerable. The notification explicitly warned of a "distinct possibility" of increased risks from targeted cyber intrusions and systemic disruptions, necessitating immediate and robust protective measures.
Composition of the Cybersecurity Teams
The newly constituted core committee will be led by the ACS, principal secretary, or secretary of the EPD. Its members include a diverse group of experts and officials to ensure a multi-faceted approach to security.
The committee's membership comprises:
- The Managing Director of Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd (GUVNL)
- Officials from the Department of Science and Technology
- A representative from the Home Department
- A representative from the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU)
- The Director (West Zone) of the National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC)
- Representatives from IIM Ahmedabad and IIT Gandhinagar
- A representative from the Central Electricity Authority (CEA)
Task Force to Drive Implementation
Parallelly, the 19-member task force will be headed by the chairperson of GUVNL. This group is designed for ground-level execution and includes the managing directors of all major state power distribution and generation companies.
Key members of the task force are:
- MDs of the four distribution companies: MGVCL, DGVCL, PGVCL, and UGVCL.
- MDs of Gujarat Energy Transmission Corporation (GETCO) and Gujarat State Electricity Corporation Limited (GSECL).
- Cybersecurity experts and academic representatives from institutions like Gujarat Technological University (GTU) and LD College of Engineering.
Proactive Defense in a Volatile Climate
The establishment of these committees marks a proactive shift in the state's strategy to safeguard its essential services. By bringing together policymakers, technical experts, and operational leaders, Gujarat aims to build a resilient defense mechanism. The goal is to anticipate, mitigate, and respond to sophisticated cyber threats, thereby ensuring the uninterrupted delivery of power across the state. This initiative reflects a growing recognition among Indian states that protecting critical infrastructure is no longer optional but a fundamental necessity for national security and economic stability.
