Bescom accused of adopting anti-farmer stance

Repairing of defunct transformers delayed

“Transformer has not been installed in our ward for the past one-and-a-half year. The authorities, when questioned say that the target set for the present year has already been achieved, but continue to install transformers elsewhere,” alleged Rajanna, a farmer from Mullall in the taluk.

Raghu, the councillor from eleventh ward too expressed his dissatisfaction over the state of affairs. Several farmers and elected representatives accused the Bescom of adopting anti-farmer stand and warned of serious consequences if the stance was not changed.
“The power problems in the taluk remains unresolved even after contacting the director umpteen number of times. There is no solution even after raising the issue in the Assembly,” legislator Amaresh noted.

A defunct transformer should be replaced within three days according to rules. But the rule is observed more in violation and defunct transformers are not replaced for years together. Standing crops have been damaged due to  non-replacement of defunct transformers, rued Venkatesh, a farmer from Hullalli.
Krishnegowda of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike alleged that sand filtering was being carried out using two motors by the road side in Mulbagal and the Bescom authorities have not initiated any action.

Venkatachala, a farmer from Toradevanadahalli questioned the rationale of supplying power for 20 hours to to industries and for only six hours to farmers.
“Why power shortage is being put forth while supplying electricity to farmers?” he questioned.

The distict is devoid of any permanent irrigation facility. Farmers are totally dependent on groundwater for agriculture. Water has to be lifted from a depth of 1,500 feet using motors. Erratic power supply has further compounded the plight of farmers. Power should be supplied at least for ten hours a day, demanded Munivenkataswamy Gowda of Holur.
Holali Prakash accused Bescom of failure to check theft of transmission wires. He questioned the propriety of appointing Assistant Executive Engineer Ghouse Peer, who was allegedly suspended for dereliction of duty, in the same division.
District president of Karnataka Prantha Raitha Sangha, Suryanarayana drew the attention of the meeting to the hazards caused by poor maintenance of transformers.
He displayed photographs of people who suffered disability on account of electrical mishaps.

Director (Technical) of Bangalore Electricity Supply Company, Nagesh, replying to the consumers’ woes, clarified that no one need to pay for repair of a defunct transformer and the Bescom will carry out the repair at its cost.

“I came to know of the farmers transporting the transformer for repair, only through this meeting. Farmers need not do so in future. Give me the name of officials who cause delay or hesitate to take up repair and I will initiate stringent action against them,” he assured.
Referring to allegations of vigilance squad personnel instigating power theft, Nagesh said that such officers will be transferred if exact information with proof were furnished.
He said that the question of supplying more power to industries and less to farmers will have to be dealt at the government level.
Bescom superintending eneingeer Krishnappa and others were present on the occasion.
DH News Service