Date:11/09/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/09/11/stories/2004091104540400.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Drive against illegal farm connections put on hold

By Our Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD, SEPT. 10. The State Government will go slow in executing its decision to disconnect unauthorised agricultural power connections in deference to requests by the MLAs and the political parties to save standing crops of farmers.

However, this concession will be extended only to areas where the power system can bear the additional load caused by illegal connections. In places where the system cannot withstand the extra load, the Government will either stagger power supply or disconnect unauthorised connections, the Finance Minister, K. Rosaiah, told reporters here on Friday.

No leniency after kharif

He hinted that the Government might not be lenient after completion of kharif season towards those using power unauthorisedly.

He appealed to the farmers to extend their cooperation in weeding out illegal connections.