Belthangady homes still waiting for power

As many as 12 houses in Kudyadi village in Aladangady gram panchayat of Belthangady taluk in Dakshina Kannada district are still waiting for ‘electricity’ to light their houses.

Tired of waiting for electricity since independence, the residents with the help of ‘Daari’ organisation has started SMS and email campaign, to wake up the officials. Atleast 1000 SMSes have been sent to the officials from Energy department including Principal Secretary Amitha Prasad and Chief Minister since three days.

Seven houses in Nochanady, three in Kulechavu, two in Bail are yet to get electricity. The elected representatives have been promising of electricity by ‘Deepavali’ for the last six years.

With the help of ‘Daari’ organisation, they have started email and SMS campaign to over 25 officials.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, ‘Daari’ convener Ravi said, “We will continue to send SMSes till we get justice from the officials and the work on installing electric poles commences. We are also making an effort to call all these officials. We want atleast a few top officials to visit the spot and look into the condition of the people, without electricity.”

A few rich have electricity connection owing to their contact with the politicians, he added.
The residents had given Rs 1,500 each to a local gram panchayat member five years ago for electricity. Even after submitting several petitions to the authorities and the elected representatives, our condition did not change, we still live in darkness, said the resident.

“After completing MA, I continue with agriculture activities, thereby helping my father.
Without electricity, we have to use kerosene for pumping water to the plantations. We are not getting kerosene. We spend our time in chimney lamp during night. Several students pursue their education and they find it difficult to read during night,” said Dinesh.

Labourer Ramesh Kulal said, “Now, the elected representatives have promised to give us electricity by Deepavali. Can we believe it?” he asks.

In the meantime, Special Officer to the Chief Minister Syed Khaja Mohiddin has responded to an email sent by ‘Daari’ and has directed the concerned to initiate action and intimate the CM office on the same. This reponse is a ray of hope for the villagers.

Sources in Mescom said that all the houses do not have electricity connections in Belthangady taluk. The number of houses are increasing day by day.

Measures will be taken to supply electricity to 4,500 BPL families under Rajiv Gandhi Rural Electrification Scheme, of which, 12 houses of Kudyadi are included.