Power (less) Lines: Karandlaje’s SC colony in darkness

Power (less) Lines: Karandlaje’s SC colony in darkness

Mangalore Today News Network

By Ramya BN

Puttur, May 18, 2012: Their appeal to provide electricity connection to their colony has been a cry in the wilderness all these years and they are still continuing to spend their evenings and nights under the dim lights of kerosene lamps. This is the pathetic tale of the residents of a SC colony in Karandlaje of Puttur taluk.

The mention of Karandlaje will naturally bring into focus State’s Energy Minister Shobha Karandlaje. And of course the village where this colony is located is in the minister’s home town itself and more precisely the colony is located next to the minister’s house. That makes it all the more important. But for the fate of the residents of this colony, they have not seen electricity till date in their homes, nor are they aware of the government scheme called Bhagyajyothi aimed at providing power connections to the homes of the weaker section.

 

The general impression would be that the people of Karandlaje might be a lot more lucky as the minister hails from their place. But that has not been the case with the residents of this SC colony. They have benefitted in no way despite their proximity to the minister’s residence. The poor dwellers of this colony are also unaware about the fate of their applications seeking power connection.

Every time Shobha visits the district, she makes it a point to visit her hometown. But, so far she hasn’t chosen to have a look at the problems of the people of this SC colony next to her house. The residents of this colony still have a thin ray of hope that the minister would at some point of time realize their problems. They are also aware that their problem would solve very soon if Shobha makes up her mind to visit their colony at least once.

Not that any effort has not been made to provide electricity connection. One can see electricity poles put up nearby and even electricity lines passing by. The colony dwellers say the MESCOM authorities have so far not bothered about their problem and so is the case with local elected representatives, who the villagers say visit the colony only during election time.

Locals also allege a nexus between electrical contractors and MESCOM that has come in the way of providing electricity to their colony. Still, they are hopeful, that Shobha would hear their appeal   for electricity at least one day. Is Shobha listening?