Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore (SP)

Bangalore, Jul 25: Energy minister K S Eshwarappa explained at the legislative council on Friday July 24, that self-proclaimed environmentalists have been creating hurdles for the power production plans in the state. He said, the projects would be given an impetus by holding meetings of MPs, MLAs and other elected representatives of the concerned districts, to thrash out the concerns expressed by the environmentalists.

Thermal, hydel and gas-based power plants are the only options left for addressing the power scarcity faced by the state. But, in the name of protecting environment, people who claim themselves to be environmentalists, have been blocking power projects. This has been coming in the way of our progress, he rued.

Replying to questions raised by BJP member Manohar Maski during the question hour, the minister agreed that the districts where power production is going on, often plunge into darkness for prolonged periods. To obviate this problem, it has been decided to ensure uninterrupted power supply to districts like Raichur, Shimoga, Uttara Kannada and Bellary where power plants are located, he divulged.