PM urged to release more coal for state: Energy minister

State needs 12,000 megawatt but has a supply of only 8,000 MW

“The prime minister has been urged to provide additional coal to meet the demands of the state. Also emphasis is being laid on improving electricity transmission and distribution centres,” energy minister Shobha Karandlaje said.

She was speaking at a health camp organised at Bellale in the taluk on Saturday.

Karandlaje said the state needs 12,000 megawatt but has a supply of only 8,000 MW. Efforts are being made to procure additional power to make-up for the shortfall.

In order to make-up for the electricity shortage during the summer, the second electricity generation unit at Bellary would be launched. The power cuts could be reduced if the Central government provides coal, she added.

A technical report has been prepared to face shortage of electricity. Measures are being taken to start new electricity generation centres and distribution centres.

The government has already opened 24 distribution centres in Belgaum on a temporary basis.

Next year similar centres would be opened in every district with the help of public participation.

Raitha Sangha president K S Puttanaiah, State Women’s Commission chairperson C Manjula and others were present.

Shobha offers puja for BSY

Energy minister Shobha Karandlaje offered puja in the name of former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa at Cheluvanarayanaswamy temple here in Pandavapura taluk on Saturday.

The minister  accompanied by State Women’s Commission chairperson C Manjula and MLA Bharathishetty arrived here at 9 am. When she visited the temple, the priest asked her the name in which the puja should be offered. Karandlaje uttered the name of B S Yeddyurappa.

She also offered puja to deities including Yadugiridevi and Ramanujacharya. Later, she climbed the steps leading to Yoganarasimhaswamy temple. Priests Narayanabhat and Sridhar Srinivas offered special prayers.