Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, May 27: The relentless downpour over the past four to five days has plunged many rural areas in Puttur taluk, including Sullia, Beltangady, and Kadaba, into darkness due to severe power outages. The first heavy spell of the monsoon has resulted in fallen trees and uprooted electric poles, throwing the rural power supply system into complete disarray.
With a shortage of linemen in the MESCOM department, the restoration of power has been significantly delayed, adding to public frustration. Residents of Ishwaramangala and surrounding villages have been raising complaints with MESCOM over the last three days, demanding immediate resolution. However, continuous rain has hampered repair efforts, leaving department personnel scrambling to manage the situation.
Even within urban limits, the first major rainfall has triggered minor landslides. On Sunday, several areas in the town witnessed wall and soil collapses. Incidents include a landslide near the municipal compound, soil erosion near Parladka Circle, a partial building collapse near the women’s police station, and damage near the GLO One Mall. With further heavy rain expected, more landslides are likely, prompting public calls for swift action from local authorities.
Puttur MLA Ashok Rai stated that he has been receiving constant phone calls from residents in rural areas complaining about prolonged power cuts. However, calls to junior engineers often go unanswered, with their phones switched off. The MLA said he immediately contacted the executive engineer of MESCOM, Puttur division, instructing swift resolution of the issues. He further directed that if additional workers, vehicles, equipment, or machinery are required, steps should be taken immediately to procure them.
"I will provide whatever assistance is necessary from my end, but under no circumstance should people be left to suffer in the dark. I have instructed that no official from any department should keep their phone switched off," said Ashok Rai.
According to Ramachandra A, executive engineer of MESCOM, Puttur division, resolving power issues during the first rains is especially challenging. During summer, power lines dry up, and the sudden onset of rain causes moisture to affect the cables, leading to faults.
The MESCOM department has already been placed on high alert. No staff has been granted leave, and repair works are being expedited. Currently, only 50% of the required linemen are available in the department. However, 53 gangmen have been deployed, and work is underway to fix the problems. To manage the workload, repair tasks are also being outsourced.
He assured that efforts to restore normalcy are in full swing and that the power supply will be reinstated in most areas within the next two days.