Karnataka - Bangalore

Eshwarappa puts blame on past governments

Bangalore: The previous governments took no initiative to increase power generation in the State, charged K.S. Eshwarappa, Minister for Energy.

Speaking to presspersons on the sidelines of Rajyotsava celebrations organised by Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Ltd. (KPTCL) here on Wednesday, the Minister claimed that the previous governments should be held responsible for the power shortage that the State is experiencing.

He dismissed allegations of mismanagement of power levelled by Congress and Janata Dal (S). He said that the BJP Government had taken up several measures to tide over the power shortage.

“We have taken several steps to increase the State’s power generation capacity. Over the next four to five years, we will ensure that the generation capacity is double of what it is now,” he said.

He said allegations regarding low coal stock at the Raichur Thermal Power Station were false and baseless as there were almost 2.5 lakh tonnes in stock. “I am willing to take all those levelling allegations to the RTPS for an inspection. If they can prove me wrong, I am willing to resign,” he said.

About the power projects on the Cauvery basin, Mr. Eshwarappa said that the State Government had not initiated any talks with Tamil Nadu. “We should first improve our relations with Tamil Nadu. We are always ready for discussions. However, the Tamil Nadu Government should reciprocate. We are told that Minister of State for Power and Commerce Jairam Ramesh had discussed the issue with them,” he said.

Regarding the cutting down of surcharge levied on power producers selling power, the Minister said that that a decision could be taken only by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission.

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