mangalore today

’Follow norms before starting UPCL again’


Mangalore Today News Network

Kundapur, Dec 24, 2014: Former Minister K Jayaprakash Hegde has urged to strictly follow the agreements made by UPCL with government, before re-commissioning of UPCL, which has presently stopped the work.


Jayaprakash HegdeSpeaking to mediapersons at the Tourist Bungalow in Kundapur on Tuesday, he alleged that the Lanco company which has availed the contract for the maintenance of UPCL, had purchased materials from China, which are of poor quality. This had resulted in technical failures and release of effluents which are harmful to environment.


The UPCL has flouted the rules imposed by the department of environment, during its commissioning. The tank which is meant for the collection of fly ash, has been left open and hence the fly ash from the tank has been causing problems to the residents dwelling in the vicinity. The company has not paid the tax to the tune of Rs 400 crore, including the tax to be paid to the local Gram Panchayat.

Also, the promise given to fishermen has not been fulfilled. The pipeline carrying affluents, has developed cracks and there are high chances of affluents adversely affecting people’s heath, Jayaprakash Hegde said.

He further accused that there has been corruption in the purchase of coal, being imported from foreign countries. The advice of the experts to use best quality raw materials, has been flouted.


The Justice Gururaj committee, appointed for the revision of electricity rate of the company, has one of its members who has been the Director of Lanco company, he said.


Efforts are on to handover the company to Gujrat based Adani group. The rumour is that the advance money has been paid to the company, in this regard. Steps should be taken to procure Rs 275 crore advance money, which was paid by the State government during the commissioning of the company, Hegde urged. Or else, the company should be pressurised to produce electricity soon. The Chief Minister and Energy Minister themselves should look into the matter of the violation of rules by the company. 

He warned of carrying out intense fight in association with like minded, if the efforts to re-open the company are done with political lobbying and by keeping public in dark.

 

Courtesy: DHNS