Bhatkal: A new power grid being constructed on Sagar Road in Bhatkal to ensure a reliable 24-hour electricity supply is nearing completion, Karnataka Deputy Speaker and Bhatkal-Honnavar MLA Mankal Vaidya said. He expressed hope that the remaining work would be completed within the next three months, helping address recurring power supply problems in the region.
Addressing representatives of various community organisations from Bhatkal and neighbouring areas at the residence of Bhatkal Muslim Khaleej Council (BMKC) Secretary General and SahilOnline Chairman Atiqur Rahman Muniri in Dubai, Vaidya said the grid was being built at an estimated cost of Rs 28 crore. The project is designed to provide Bhatkal with a direct 210 kV power supply, improving electricity availability and reliability in the area.
Vaidya said Bhatkal currently depends on a 110 kV supply system, which is proving inadequate to meet growing demand. Power interruptions are particularly reported during festivals and periods of high consumption. He said the new grid was expected to meet the region's electricity requirements for around 25 years, even as the population and number of houses increase.
Explaining the delay in completing the project, Vaidya said legal disputes over land required for installing electricity towers near Kaikini and at some other locations had affected the work. According to him, these legal hurdles have now been resolved, paving the way for the remaining work to be completed within three months.
He also said arrangements were being made to bring an alternative power line from Byndoor. Existing supply arrangements from Kaiga would continue, providing additional sources of electricity in case of a disruption in any one line. The proposed arrangements, he said, were aimed at ensuring a more reliable and uninterrupted power supply to Bhatkal.
Basic infrastructure among key priorities
Vaidya said improving roads, electricity supply and drinking water facilities in Bhatkal, Honnavar and surrounding areas remained among his priorities. He acknowledged the role played by the public in enabling him to serve in various capacities, including as MLA, minister and Deputy Speaker, and said he would not forget the trust and support extended to him.
He identified roads, electricity and drinking water as major public needs. Referring to the region's educational facilities, he appreciated the contribution of local institutions, noting that Bhatkal had facilities extending up to engineering education. He also referred to initiatives undertaken in the healthcare sector.
Sarabi river cleaning and plan to prevent seawater intrusion
On the proposed cleaning of Bhatkal's historic Sarabi river, Vaidya said work to remove silt, mud and overgrown vegetation would begin shortly. The river passes through several localities, including the Bundar area, Dongarpalli, Daranta, Khalifa Street, Mushma Street and Qaziya Street, before extending towards Ghausia Street and other areas.
He said a proposal had also been prepared to construct a dam-like structure as part of the project to prevent saline seawater from entering the river and moving upstream. Preventing seawater intrusion, he said, could help conserve freshwater flowing from the surrounding hills for various uses.
Vaidya promises to pursue pending development works
Vaidya said representatives of various community organisations had brought local issues and development requirements to his attention, including demands for better roads, water supply and other basic amenities. He said efforts had been made to address these concerns to the extent possible.
Acknowledging that some development projects remained incomplete or had been delayed, he said he was committed to pursuing the pending works. With approximately one-and-a-half years remaining in his current term, he said he would make efforts to fulfil the commitments made to the public before the end of his tenure.
Representatives of community organisations attend meeting
Earlier, programme host Atiqur Rahman Muniri welcomed the gathering, while BMKC president Umar Farooq Musbah delivered the presidential address.
Representatives of Bhatkal Jamaat and various community organisations from Manki, Murdeshwar, Shirur, Herangadi and other areas attended the meeting. Some organisations felicitated Vaidya with shawls, while representatives of others submitted memorandums outlining local problems and urging him to take steps to resolve them.