Latest news with #KPTCL
The Hindu
21 hours ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Farmers seek compensation for loss of land to power transmission lines
Representatives of the State Sugarcane Growers' Association met Energy Minister K J George on Wednesday seeking a fair compensation for the loss of cultivable land due to Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL) drawing power transmission cables and installation of towers. In a memorandum submitted to the Minister, association's oganisational secretary Attahalli Devaraj said high voltage 66/11 KV and 220 KV power transmission lines of KPTCL passed over agricultural lands, resulting in loss of cultivable area for many farmers. The transmission lines from KPTCL Mini Station in Gejjeyanavaddaragudi in Hunsur sub division passed through several villages, including Dharmapura, Karimuddanahalli, Aspatre Kaval, Basti Maranahalli, Hallada Koppalu, Udduru Kaval, Tarikal and other areas in Hunsur. These power transmission lines and towers built on the land have not been accompanied by any clear steps regarding compensation to the affected farmers, the association said. 'In response to an RTI application, the officials have claimed that land rates were fixed during a meeting held with farmers in March 2024. But, when asked which specific farmers or land owners attended the meeting, the officials said no farmers had agreed to be present at the meeting. This clearly indicates that the farmers were not part of the decision-making exercise and fair land rate had not been determined', Mr. Devaraj alleged, while contending that the authorities had held meetings on the issue without bringing it to the notice of the land-owning farmers or seeking their consent. The association sought to bring to the Minister's notice that the market rate of the land in the region was ₹2 lakh per gunta. Hence, a fair rate should be determined for the land and an appropriate compensation amount should be fixed. The farmers' body also contended that the transmission lines had already been electrified without the farmers' consent. The association pointed out that farmers in villages such as Koodanahalli, Devalapura, Marasettihalli, Joranahalli, Varuna and Vajamangala too had not been adequately compensated while drawing the 220 KV line from Kadakola to Vajamangala in Mysuru taluk. 'Their lands lie near layouts where land prices range between ₹6 lakh and ₹10 lakh per gunta, while the department quotes only ₹50,000 to ₹60,000', Mr. Devaraj said in the memorandum. Irrigation pumpsets The association urged the government to discontinue the policy of Aadhaar-linked registration and meter installation for irrigation pumpsets. The irrigation pumpsets of farmers should be regularised upon payment of ₹5,000, the association said. For lands that had been affected by power transmission lines, the government should provide free electricity connections for irrigation pumpsets, it added.
The Hindu
5 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
KPTCL unveils GIS-based app to monitor underground cable works in real-time
To enhance transparency and streamline operations, the Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL) has rolled out a new digital tool, a Geographic Information System (GIS)-enabled Map View application to monitor real-time underground cable projects. The initiative was officially launched by Energy Minister K.J. George on Saturday. According to officials, it is designed primarily for internal use, the Map View application showcases live updates of ongoing underground cable laying activities across Karnataka. 'By making this information accessible, the tool allows the public to stay aware of infrastructure work in their areas and adjust their routines to avoid traffic-related inconveniences. This move is aimed at fostering public involvement and reducing disruptions,' a statement by KPTCL stated. 'This digital platform, powered by advanced GIS technology, marks a major step forward in improving transparency, operational efficiency, and citizen engagement,' said Mr. George. 'By adopting innovative tools like this, we are not only boosting technical performance but also ensuring that the public is well-informed and safeguarded,' he added.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
MLA Suvarna opposes hike in power bill
Udupi: The state govt decided to increase the electricity bill by 36 paise per unit to fund the pensions of energy department employees, which is opposed by Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna. The govt is collecting this additional charge from consumers to cover the pensions and gratuities of various ESCOM and KPTCL staff, leading to consumer outrage. In the May bill, consumers are being charged an extra 36 paise per unit, amounting to hundreds of rupees more per month. This move to recover approximately Rs 2,800 crore annually from electricity users, which was previously funded by the govt, is seen as an additional burden on consumers. This decision exacerbates the difficulties faced by people already struggling with increased electricity rates, stated MLA Suvarna, who wrote to energy minister KJ George. In his letter, the MLA urged the govt to retract this order and continue funding the pensions and gratuities from the govt budget, instead of imposing the cost on consumers. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Brother's Day wishes , messages and quotes !
