Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Mar 15: The Jayashreekrishna Parisara Premi Samiti has urged Karnataka’s energy minister, K G George, to ensure a 24x7 uninterrupted power supply for the undivided Dakshina Kannada district (Mangaluru and Udupi).
Speaking at a press conference on Udupi, the founder, Thonse Jayashrikrishna Shetty said, "The 1300 MW thermal power plant in Padubidri, Udupi, has been operational since 2010. The Nagarjuna/Adani Power Plant supplies 45% of its electricity to Bengaluru, Karnataka’s capital. While this benefits the state, the lack of continuous power supply in Udupi and Dakshina Kannada remains a serious concern.
"The Jayashreekrishna Parisara Premi Samiti fought for six years to establish the Nagarjuna power plant in Padubidri. Political leaders, social activists, religious heads, and the general public of the district were involved in this struggle. The committee successfully raised awareness about the importance of the power plant for the holistic development of the region.
"During the protest, then energy minister Eshwarappa, after performing a Chandika Homa at the Kollur Mookambika Temple, assured Thonse Jayakrishna Shetty, the committee's founder, that 24x7 power supply would be prioritized for the twin districts before distributing excess power to other areas. This commitment was made in the presence of Nagarjuna Power Plant's then vice president and current Adani Power Plant chairman, Kishore Alva.
"However, despite the existence of a major power plant in Udupi, uninterrupted power supply remains unfulfilled, causing deep disappointment," he said.
The committee has already sent a formal letter to energy minister K G George, demanding action. A meeting with the minister is scheduled for March, where the committee will strongly push for the implementation of 24x7 power supply in the undivided Dakshina Kannada district.
Present at the press conference were Nityananda Kotian – president, K P Jagadish Adhikari – vice president, professor Shankar – district vice president, Surendra Mendan – district secretary, Shekhar Gujjarbettu joint secretary, and Arun Sanil – member.