Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Jul 5: Pre-monsoon and monsoon rains have inflicted heavy losses on the Mangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (Mescom) this year as well. Although the intensity of the damage is comparatively lower than the previous year, the power utility has already suffered a massive loss of Rs 15.38 crore in just three months, with Dakshina Kannada and Chikkamagaluru districts bearing the brunt.

Between April and July, strong winds, heavy rainfall, and uprooted trees have severely damaged power infrastructure. Across the Mescom jurisdiction, as many as 10,458 electric poles, 42 transformers, and 288 km of power supply lines have been damaged. With the monsoon expected to continue for another three months, officials anticipate the losses could escalate further.

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District-wise infrastructure damage:

• Dakshina Kannada: 3,111 poles, 15 transformers, and 155 km of wires
• Udupi: 1,497 poles, 10 transformers, and 16 km of wires
• Shivamogga: 3,322 poles, 17 transformers, and 67 km of wires
• Chikkamagaluru: 2,528 poles and 50 km of wires

District-wise financial loss:

• Dakshina Kannada: Rs 4.80 crore
• Chikkamagaluru: Rs 4.32 crore
• Shivamogga: Rs 3.61 crore
• Udupi: Rs 3.40 crore

Losses over the past three years:

• 2023-24: 16,217 poles damaged, Rs 26.10 crore loss
• 2024-25: 28,768 poles damaged, Rs 43.85 crore loss
• 2025-26: 22,445 poles damaged, Rs 35.02 crore loss

Speaking about the situation, a Mescom official said, "The fury of rain and wind within our jurisdiction was comparatively less this time compared to last year. However, the monsoon is not over yet. So far, Mescom has incurred a loss of Rs 15.38 crore."

Meanwhile, the district administration has taken precautionary measures for monsoon disaster management.

A control room has been set up at the Mangaluru district level to facilitate immediate response for those affected by natural calamities. The public can contact the toll-free helpline or reach out via WhatsApp to the mobile number 9483908000 for emergency assistance.