Daijiworld Media Network – Beltangady
Beltangady, Jun 5: Even before the full onset of the monsoon season, the Beltangady and Ujire MESCOM sub-divisions have suffered estimated losses of around Rs 2.5 crore due to heavy rains during the months of March, April, and May.
The pre-monsoon showers had already intensified by March and worsened in May, leading to severe damage to electric poles, power lines, transformers, and other infrastructure due to trees falling on power lines.
The Beltangady sub-division alone has incurred losses exceeding Rs 1.40 crore over the past three months. In the LT line, 349 electric poles were damaged, while in the HT line, 179 poles were affected. Six power transformers were completely destroyed, and nearly 90% of the remaining transformers were damaged and later repaired.
The Ujire sub-division, which includes Somantadka, Dharmasthala, Ujire, and Kokkada areas, also witnessed extensive damage. In this region, 326 LT line poles and 110 HT line poles were brought down. Among the transformers, three were completely damaged. Additionally, 33 transformers in the 25 KV line and 38 in the 63 KV line sustained damage. The total loss for the Ujire sub-division alone over these three months is estimated at Rs 95.85 lac.
MESCOM staff continue to risk their lives to restore power in all conditions. Tragically, Sudhakar alias Kitta, a power man from the Venur section of Beltangady MESCOM and a resident of Tumbe Gudde, Naravi, lost his life after falling from a transformer near Andinje Road on March 26.
In another incident, Vijesh Kumar K (35), a resident of Odilalu in Kuvettu village and an assistant power man, died a few days ago while attempting to replace a fuse at a transformer in Amarajalu.
Last year, MESCOM reported losses between Rs 8 to 10 crore in these two divisions alone. This year’s monsoon impact remains to be seen.
"This year, MESCOM has already faced massive losses due to unexpected rainfall. Despite a staff shortage, we are working to provide timely service to customers with the support of local residents. We urge the public to exercise caution around electrical equipment during the rainy season," said Clement Benjamin Brox, assistant executive engineer, MESCOM sub-division, Beltangady.