Date:24/12/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/12/24/stories/2006122405070600.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Erratic power supply: ryots go on rampage

Special Correspondent

Attack sub-stations and destroy transformers across A.P.

Distribution staff manhandled in some places

Energy Minister rules out 9-hour power supply

HYDERABAD: Farmers in Andhra Pradesh are back on protest against improper supply of power to the farm sector. They launched protests in many places, attacking sub-stations, destroying transformers and confining the distribution staff to rooms. At Biknoor in Nizamabad district, the employees were released after seven hours following intervention of senior officials and political leaders.

Similar incidents have also been reported from Khammam, Medak, Nalgonda, Warangal, and Mahabubnagar districts. According to a Grid Operation official, the protests are mostly in North Telangana region where the supply reportedly has fallen short of the stipulated seven hours or it is being made only during nights.

The Andhra Pradesh Northern Power Distribution Company, in whose jurisdiction this region is located, is seriously handicapped as a ceiling has been imposed by Transco on all distribution companies on drawing of power. On the other hand, demand has gone up in the North Telangana due to continuous operation of pumpsets. Meanwhile, Energy Minister Mohd Ali Shabbir ruled out power supply for nine hours in Telangana as demanded by the Telangana Rasthra Samithi at Nalgonda on Friday. The seven-hour supply would be continued.

Case against farmers

Karimnagar reporter adds: In Mallaram village of Vemulawada mandal, farmers attacked the sub-station, damaged furniture and manhandled the employees.