Having suffered a huge loss due to heavy rain and winds, Mangalore Electricity Supply Company (MESCOM) has said that it has restored power supply in about 75 per cent of the area.
The system would be completely restored in about three days, the company has said. It has deployed worker-gangs in the affected areas and they have been continuously working to set right the infrastructure.
MESCOM has suffered heavy damage in Chikkamagaluru district, worth Rs. 5.74 crore.
As many as 2,707 poles, 230 transformers and 275 km of power lines were affected in the Malnad district with places such as Mudigere, Aldur, Banakal, Sringeri, Koppa and surrounding areas bearing the brunt. The loss in Dakshina Kannada too is not insignificant where 2,549 poles, 282 transformers and 455 km power lines have been disrupted, amounting to Rs. 4.29 crore loss. The total loss is quantified at around Rs. 13 crore.
Monitoring
MESCOM Managing Director Chikkananjappa told The Hindu that he has been touring the affected areas since a week to coordinate restoration works. Personnel and workers from neighbouring sub-divisions have been deployed in the affected areas and work is going on briskly.
As regards local electrical contractors’ grouse against power companies, Mr. Chikkananjappa said that they have joined hands with MESCOM. Their concerns have been communicated to the government, which is likely to address them, he said.
Responding to the alleged arrogant behaviour of a few linesmen who have allegedly sought money, particularly in Dakshina Kannada district, he said that about 2,000 new linesmen would be joining the company in about a month. Thereafter, MESCOM would ensure that linesmen against whom complaints are made would strictly be dealt with, including transfers. There is no shortage of material — poles, transformers and power cables, as the company had procured them in advance. MESCOM had procured material enough for two years recently and this has come in handy now, Mr. Chikkananjappa said.
Executive engineers from two divisions of Mangaluru and their teams have been sent to Sullia and Karkala regions to restore infrastructure. An executive engineer from Kadur division and his team have been deployed in Mudigere, Kalasa, Belehonnur and surrounding areas. Personnel from Shivamogga division are deployed in Tirthahalli taluk while those from Shikaripur division are deployed in Hosanagar and Sagar taluks.
