Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (VP)

Mangaluru, Jun 30: U T Khader, speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, criticized the officials of Mescom, PWD, and the Forest Department, stating, "There is no collaboration within the three departments, and even to get a small work done it takes so many days. This is causing problems for the public."

Addressing a meeting held on Sunday, June 30, at the Mescom office in Mangaluru, UT Khader said, "The rainy season has begun, and during this time, things are unpredictable. No one can say when the next natural calamity will occur. We need to think about how we can be alert and create a roadmap for any instances that may happen in the future. In the last week, four people have lost their lives because of a collapsed compound wall, and the next day, two autorickshaw drivers died due to electrocution. Such incidents are happening continuously. The PWD and Mescom departments should work together, and locals should alert officers regarding such issues. There should be no delay in responding."

He further added, "There is a lot of delay in cutting branches of trees. Such problems were solved in the past with inadequate equipment, but now, with superior quality equipment, there is still a delay in chopping down branches. Mescom and Forest Department officials should be present on location and resolve the problem without any delay. If incidents like this continue, strict action will be taken against the department and its officials."

Khader emphasized the need for public awareness regarding live wires and transformers from Mescom, urging the department to take immediate action to educate the public, even in rural areas. "If the officials do their duty, at least they can be relieved that they have done their best. Although the pressure during this time is high, if you work for 15 days prior to the rainy season, many problems can be controlled in the future," he said.

He suggested, "The electric poles of other states and countries have been converted into gardens, and such initiatives should be taken in Mangaluru. The power of the media should be utilized by the department, and a special team should be formed to bring awareness among the public."

When Khader asked for clarification regarding the electrocution of the two auto drivers, officials said, "The underground cable is set and in its final state. While doing our work, the MCC wrote us a letter saying that the wires of street lights should not be tampered with since their project is ongoing. Even that will be completed very soon."

Regarding trees falling due to rain, Mullai Muhilan, District Commissioner, said, "Prior to the rainy season, trees that were likely to fall were uprooted, yet there have been incidents where tall-standing trees fell. Currently, there are 192 teams present, and the public should know whom to contact when there is a live wire. This small step can save lives, and if there is any delay in this, the Taluk level officials will be held responsible."

When asked about future plans, officials stated, "The existing 33Kv power is present in Thokkottu and Konaje. The power is directly transferred from Kavoor to Konaje and then distributed. The underground cable work between Jeppu to Kotekar and from Konaje to Deralakatte will be completed very soon."

Khader concluded by urging officials to consider the entire district and inspect those who work under them during night hours.

Anthony Mariyappa, DCF, Mullai Muhilan, deputy commissioner, Padmavati, MD of Mescom, along with PWD and Mescom officials, were present at the meeting.