Villagers refuse to give land to construct power lines

Solution to low voltage problem in Chikmagalur may further delay

Towers have already been built for the power transmission line connecting the Muguluvalli unit via Javagal-Kalasapura. But farmers have not consented to build similar towers on a 6 km stretch from Eshwarahalli.

Due to this, the new unit may become useless even though it has been tested by charging, said sources in the Mescom. The farmers have demanded that proper compensation should be given to them before installing the towers. However, according to KPTCL, there is scope to give compensation only when the land given for tower is used for cultivation and when the construction damages the crops.

“Senior KPTCL officials will soon conduct a meeting with the farmers and convince them. The works of laying power cables will begin only after the meeting,” said KPTCL Engineer Suresh.

“The Muguluvalli power unit had been considered a solution to the voltage problem of Chikmagalur. But it was delayed for six months in the very beginning due to the conflict between two MLAs. If steps are not taken to convince the farmers, the works may further delay,” said a power consumer.