Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Mar 16: State energy minister Shobha Karandlaje asserted that Udupi Power Corporation Ltd (UPCL) will not be allowed to commission its second plant, which is proposed to be inaugurated in June this year, if it fails to take steps to rectify defects found in its first plant. Addressing a press conference here on Thursday March 15, she said UPCL has committed to set right all the problems like salt water, pipeline, fly ash and other defects within a couple of months.

“Within a month from this bypoll, a detailed verification of steps taken by the company will be conducted by visiting the plant. Karnataka State Pollution Control Board has already served notice on the company about these problems. Experts from departments including National Thermal Power Corporation will be asked to submit a detailed report on the functioning of the plant,” she explained. She also threw light on various measures undertaken by the government to augment power production in the state through traditional methods apart from wind and solar power.

She blamed the central government for its failure to ensure adequate supply of coal to the state’s thermal power plants, thereby contributing to the power woes of the state.

She refuted the notion that Yeddyurappa is non-cooperative as far as the coming Lok Sabha bypoll is concerned. She felt that the BJP government has touched the minds and hearts of the people through its people-friendly schemes, and that favourable emotions towards the BJP will convert into votes for its candidate in the coming bypoll.