Mescom officials, who are trying hard to restore power supply, are unable to do as in most places, as the water is yet to recede after flooding, especially in Chikkamagaluru, Shivamogga and some parts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, said R Snehal, managing director, Mescom.
Mangaluru: Mangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (Mescom) suffered losses estimated to the tune of Rs 9 crore, From August 1 to August 15, even as it is struggling to restore power supply in several rain-battered areas.
Mescom has jurisdiction over flood-hit districts at 18 taluks in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Chikkamagaluru and Shivamogga.
Mescom officials, who are trying hard to restore power supply, are unable to do as in most places, as the water is yet to recede after flooding, especially in Chikkamagaluru, Shivamogga and some parts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, said R Snehal, managing director, Mescom.
Giving out details on the damage caused, Snehal said that in four districts, 487 transformers, 7,226 electrical poles and 244 km of electrical lines have been damaged. The most damage was caused at Chikkamagaluru and Shivamogga districts. “The damage caused is to such an extent, that electrical lines to some villages have been completely washed away in floods. Mescom officials are trying their best to restore power in these villages.”
In total, as many as 1,340 villages in four districts have witnessed power outages. Among them, power has been restored in 1,113 villages, and work is under progress in the rest of the 227 villages. In Dakshina Kannada, at Maripade village, 45 electrical poles were washed away, and in Sulkeri Mogaru, the water is yet to recede. Whereas in Chikkamagaluru and Shivamogga, several pumpsets have got submerged, and in some places in Udupi, the river is flowing at the danger level.
Mescom has not been able to restore power at many places, as floodwaters have not receded there. Snehal said that poles cannot be erected in places which are still inundated, and in some places the soil is not firm. Other problems for restoration include that some electricity lines pass through paddy fields or farmlands, and it will damage crops there, due to which farmers are opposing it.
Source: energy.economictimes.indiatimes
