Chikkamagaluru: BJP MLC Dr Ravi C.T. has urged Energy Minister and Chikkamagaluru district in-charge minister K.J. George to urgently address electricity supply problems faced by farmers in Lakya and Sakharayapatna hoblis.
In a letter to George, Ravi sought regular and quality three-phase power supply to agricultural pump sets as per the prescribed schedule, saying irregular electricity supply was making it difficult for farmers to protect crops amid inadequate rainfall.
Ravi said MESCOM officials had stated that agricultural pump sets were receiving six hours of three-phase power in accordance with government norms. However, he said farmers had complained that the actual supply was significantly lower.
According to Ravi, power that was scheduled to be available for three hours at night was sometimes supplied for only about an hour, while on some days there was no supply at all.
He also highlighted complaints of low voltage in Lakya Hobli and areas under the Bilekallahalli, Hiregauja and Lakkammanahalli gram panchayats.
Call to operationalise Ganadalu substation
Ravi urged the department to make the Ganadalu MUSS operational at the earliest.
He said construction of the substation, which was intended to improve power supply in Lakya Hobli and surrounding areas, had been completed but the facility was yet to become operational.
According to Ravi, commissioning the substation would help improve the quality and reliability of electricity supply in the region.
Delay in replacing burnt transformers
Ravi also raised concerns over delays in replacing damaged or burnt transformers. He said transformers were supposed to be replaced within 24 hours under the prescribed system, but farmers in several areas were allegedly forced to wait for weeks.
He said the problem was particularly noticeable in Kadur taluk and suggested replacing overloaded transformers with higher-capacity units or installing additional transformers where required.
New substation sought near Belavadi
Ravi also proposed setting up a new MUSS near Belavadi village in Chikkamagaluru taluk.
He said the proposed substation could help address local power supply problems and reduce the load on the existing Kalasapura substation.
Ravi urged George to direct officials to take immediate measures to ensure uninterrupted and quality power supply to agricultural pump sets, saying erratic electricity should not add to the difficulties faced by farmers already dealing with inadequate rainfall.
