Karnataka

Malur taluk to get uninterrupted power supply

KOLAR: The State Government has selected Malur taluk in Kolar district for implementing Grama Jyothi project on the lines of the Gujarat model. Malur is the only taluk chosen to implement the pilot project in Karnataka, sources in Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL) said.

A survey in this direction has already been carried out and a feasibility report has been submitted to the corporate office of the KPTCL.

The project is estimated to cost Rs. 16 crore, besides Rs. 2 crore for installing transformers, which is aimed at ensuring uninterrupted power supply to rural areas, sources said.

Under the Grama Jyothi project, two separate parallel feeder lines will be installed — one is exclusively for domestic and other purposes including industries; the other is exclusively meant for irrigation operations. “Power will be supplied through these lines throughout day and night without interruptions,” L. Shankara Gowda, Superintendent Engineer, BESCOM, Kolar Circle, told The Hindu.

Tamper-proof system is the major technical feature of the project. People cannot misuse the power under this project, Mr. Gowda said.

Power supplied through the feeder line meant for domestic use cannot be utilised for operating irrigational pumpsets. If anybody tries to do so, the supply will be stopped automatically. This will be controlled from the power stations itself making it a full-proof system, which will help in preventing power theft, Mr. Gowda said. It is expected to save about 25 per cent of power.

On asked about the possibility of uninterrupted power supply during crisis, the official clarified that in such an event the power supply to irrigational pumpsets would be reduced according to BESCOM norms. Power will be provided to household activities since it was the main aim of the ambitious Gujarat model project, he added.

In spite of submission of feasibility report, it may take another six months to implement the project. It is because of the involvement of various processes including installation works. Tender process for the execution of the project is expected to be set in motion in a couple of days, the sources said.

Though the novel project, to be executed by Kolar Circle of the BESCOM, involves an additional expenditure of crores of rupees, the investment has been considered as the permanent asset for the KPTCL.

The survey work in Malur taluk was completed within four days with the help of project office personnel of KPTCL Corporate office along with the local authorities.

Officials concerned in all the taluks of Kolar district have been instructed to prepare a feasibility report in order to extend the Malur experiment in the future, it is learnt.

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