Bhatkal, a taluk accustomed to nearly two decades of erratic power supply, anticipates potential relief as its second 110-kV electricity substation nears completion. Situated on Sagar Road, adjacent to the government bus depot, the project has been a long-standing initiative. The Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL), which officially launched this phase of the project in December 2023, now targets full operational status by December 2026, despite facing recent legal challenges.
Residents have endured frequent, prolonged power interruptions for almost two decades. Historically, heavy rain and strong winds often led to outages lasting hours, sometimes even a day or two. This year, despite poor rainfall, power cuts continued, with HESCOM officials frequently attributing disruptions to main transmission lines at Kumta or Honnavar. Assistant Engineer Manjunath of HESCOM in Bhatkal notes that the taluk ranks first in Uttara Kannada district for electricity consumption and revenue generation for the power utility, surpassing Karwar, which ranks second largely due to its naval base's substantial power demands. This high consumption, however, has not translated into reliable supply, leading to public frustration and repeated protests outside the HESCOM office, particularly during festivals.
Bhatkal MLA and former minister Mankal S. Vaidya has consistently highlighted the substation's importance. Speaking at events organised by Majlis-e-Islah-wa-Tanzeem and the Bhatkal Muslim Gulf Council in Dubai, Vaidya stated that the proposed Rs 28 crore substation would resolve the region's power issues for the next 25 years. Officials have frequently assured residents that a 110-kV substation would provide a lasting solution, intensifying pressure on elected representatives like Vaidya to expedite the project.
While main construction of the substation near the bus depot concluded by December 2024, subsequent installation of transmission towers and high-tension lines encountered significant obstacles. Sources indicate that residents in Venkatapur and Murdeshwar areas have approached courts, with three cases pending, including one before a division bench of the Karnataka High Court. Work also faces opposition at two locations in Kaikini and three in Bailur. Consequently, only 12 km of the proposed 16-km 110-kV transmission line has been laid so far, and 66
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📰 Source: Sahil Online