Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)

Mangaluru, Aug 1: "Dakshina Kannada district will get 12 power substations under the Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS). A detailed report for the Rs 68.13 crore project has already been sent to the union government, said MP Nalin Kumar Kateel.

He was chairing the first review meeting on Deen Dayal Uphadhyaya Gram Jyothi Yojana (DDUGJY) along with MESCOM officials at the DC's office here on Saturday August 1.

Nalin Kateel further said, "Under Deen Dayal Uphadhyaya Gram Jyothi Yojana (DDUGJY), a detailed report of Rs 405.66 crore has been sent to the union government for approval. This includes electrification of Mangaluru rural, Bantwal, Belthangady, Puttur and Sullia (only rural villages)."

Nalin Kumar Kateel asked the officials to install solar panels at the deputy commissioner's office and zilla panchayat building and also to urge owners of buildings to install solar panels in their buildings, with the help of MCC.

MESCOM officials revealed that 3,800 houses in Dakshina Kannada district belonging to BPL families have no power supply. These houses will be covered under DDUGJY. The MP also asked for this service to be extended to APL card holders who do not have power.

MLA J R Lobo who was present at the meeting urged the officials of MESCOM to lay underground electric cable for the entire city. Deputy commissioner A B Ibrahim asked the officials to undertake the work in three phases.

Zilla panchayat CEO Srividya said that Sullia and Beltangady taluks have electricity problem.

In addition, MESCOM officials said that three substations at Guthigar, Sampaje and Jalsoor in Sullia and at Surya, Kayarthadka and Haleangady have been proposed to be included under IPDS programme to the union government.

MP also asked for solar facilities for places like Banjaru Male, Malavanthige, Kutloor, Eleneeru where people are facing problems due to lack of electricity.