JOIN USInstall automated switches to save electricity: ZP president
Taking cognisance of streetlights being switched on even during daylight, zilla panchayat president B R Satyanarayana instructed taluk panchayat executive officers to install at least one automated switch in each village to cut-down on the use of electricity.
He was speaking at a review meeting held at the zilla panchayat auditorium here on Wednesday. The state is facing a shortage of electricity due to increased demand and lesser supply. In such a situation, if streetlights are still kept on during the day, it’s common for people to question the wastage of resources. He pointed out that a company in Hassan had said that they would provide automated switches at Rs 450. One streetlight in each village in the taluk should be fitted with the automated switch on a trail basis, he added.
ZP members Hucchegowda and M K Dyavaiah took officials of the electricity supply corporation to task for failing to mention the target set for the department. Hucchegowda alleged that the electricity corporation had failed to highlight the target in the report submitted to zilla panchayat as they wanted to hide the actual facts. Dyavaiah said that despite repeated requests to the department to relocate an electricity pole in Malligevalu, they had failed to take any action.
Satyanarayana said all departments, who have failed to meet the target should take measures to utilise the available funds. Efforts should be taken to ensure that drinking water supply is available during summer. Also, he instructed officials to utilise the multi-village scheme to provide water to villages on the banks of rivers. He told the officials to prepare an action plan before the next meeting is convened.
Fair price shops
The ZP president also said that fair price shops were providing ration for only three days to the card holders. Foodgrains should be available throughout the month.
During the last review meeting, every fair price shop had been directed to install electronic weighing machines and rates of foodgrains should be displayed outside the shop. However, a majority of them are yet to follow the instructions. He questioned officials as to what action was taken to prevent customers from being cheated at the fair price shops.
The officials concerned replied that 225 shops in the district had already purchased electronic weighing machines. Remaining shops would also be told to purchase the machines, they said.
ZP vice-president Sulochana Ramakrishna, CEO Anjan Kumar, secretary Siddappa and others were present.