Latest news with #Mescom
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Expedite compensation to victims: DGR
Mangaluru: District minister Dinesh Gundu Rao directed officials to ensure there is no delay in disbursing compensation to people affected by natural calamities. Chairing the district disaster management review meeting held at the Praja Soudha on Wednesday, the minister took serious note of pending payments and lapses in preventive measures. Additional deputy commissioner Santhosh Kumar informed that of the 705 partially damaged houses in recent rains, compensation was released for 677. The minister, however, flagged the slow progress in Puttur taluk, where only 101 out of 125 affected homes received compensation. The tahsildar attributed the delay to KYC issues. The minister instructed that pending cases be resolved at the earliest. As many as 82 houses were fully damaged. Meanwhile, 1,992 vulnerable houses have been identified, and 181 footbridges have been closed with warning boards displayed. The minister directed officers to take stern action against violators. The district reported five rain-related deaths, one in Moodbidri and four in Ullal so far. According to the agriculture department, crop damage stands at 2.4 hectares, while the horticulture department pegged losses at 4.9 hectares. The minister also questioned Mescom officials over frequent power outages, especially in Puttur and Sullia, and instructed them to complete maintenance works before the monsoon intensifies. To mitigate landslides in the Malnad and coastal regions, the govt sanctioned Rs100 crore. Of this, 36 projects worth Rs27 crore have already been approved. Deputy commissioner MP Mullai Muhilan stated that the Puttur-Uppinangady state highway stretch suffered the most damage. A total of 22 bridges, 240.7km of rural roads, and 4.2 km of state highways have been affected. The minister also asked whether long-term mitigation was implemented in areas hit by disasters last year. Regarding the Kettikal landslip, the DC said restoration on a 2km stretch last year prevented further issues. However, the NHAI's precautionary works this year were poorly planned due to land acquisition hurdles. The minister instructed the NHAI project director to take up necessary interventions. Precautionary measures, including proper signage, lighting, and police deployment, have been taken up. Case against risk-taking bikers Taking serious note of a viral video showing two bikers riding through a flooded stream in Belthangady, the DC directed officials to book cases against them. The minister added that strict action should be taken to deter such reckless behaviour. Status quo on Panemangluru-Bantwal bridge The minister also instructed that the status quo on the Panemangluru-Bantwal bridge be maintained. Heavy vehicles will be allowed only after receiving clearance from an expert agency. The DC took objection to a local body's unilateral decision to open the bridge to light vehicles and warned that any violation would invite legal action. City police commissioner Sudheer Reddy CH, SP Arun K, ZP CEO Anandh K and DCF Anthony Mariyappa were present.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Climate
- Time of India
Rain, wind cause Mescom a loss of over Rs 16.4cr
Mangaluru: Due to monsoon winds and rain, 10,583 electric poles were damaged within the Mescom jurisdiction, along with transformers, resulting in damage to assets worth over Rs 16.4 crore. A release from Mescom stated that from April 1 to June 15, the highest damage occurred in Dakshina Kannada and Chikkamagaluru districts. In Dakshina Kannada, assets worth Rs 6.9 crore were damaged, while in Chikkamagaluru, the damage amounted to Rs 3.8 crore. Similarly, in Udupi district, assets worth Rs 3.7 crore were damaged, and in Shivamogga, the damage was of Rs 1.9 crore. Most of the damaged electric poles, transformers, and power lines have been replaced to ensure a smooth power supply. Some repair and replacement work is still ongoing, according to Mescom officials. Among the four districts under Mescom, Dakshina Kannada suffered the most, with 4,227 poles damaged due to wind and rain. In Chikkamagaluru, 2,238 poles were damaged, in Shivamogga 1,945, and in Udupi 2,173 poles were affected. Out of the total 10,583 damaged electric poles, 10,338 have been replaced. Similarly, 180 transformers were damaged across the four districts. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Transform Your Home with Expert Home Improvement Services. Home Fix Daily Learn More Undo In DK, 120 transformers were damaged, in Udupi district, 6, in Shivamogga, 52, and in Chikkamagaluru district, at least two transformers were affected. All 180 damaged transformers have been repaired or replaced. Additionally, 326.5km of power lines were damaged. In Dakshina Kannada district, 211.3km, in Udupi district 32.8km, in Chikkamagaluru district 44.7km, and in Shivamogga district 37.6km of power lines were damaged. Of these, 323km of power lines have been repaired, according to officials. Mescom officials and staff are working tirelessly, despite the wind and rain, to resolve power supply disruptions with the cooperation of customers. Repair work is still ongoing in many areas, and Mescom has requested customers to cooperate.
Time of India
06-06-2025
- Time of India
Lokayukta traps Mescom engineer while accepting bribe
Udupi: Sleuths of Karnataka Lokayukta (Mangaluru division) caught an assistant executive engineer (AEE) of Mescom office in Brahmavar, Udupi, while allegedly accepting a bribe on Friday. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Ashok Poojary, Mescom AEE, allegedly harassed a person for about two months for providing an electricity connection to a house. To provide the connection, Poojary demanded a bribe of Rs 20,000 from the complainant. Unwilling to pay a bribe for a govt service, the complainant reported the matter to the Udupi Lokayukta police station, said Kumarachandra, SP (in-charge), Lokayukta. On Friday morning, Poojary was caught by Lokayukta police at the Brahmavar Mescom office while allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 20,000 from the complainant. The officer was taken into custody, and the investigation is going on, he said. Manjunath, in-charge deputy superintendent of police, Lokayukta, Udupi, Rajendra Naik, M, police inspector, Lokayukta, Udupi, and Bharati, G, police inspector, Lokayukta, Mangaluru, along with staff from the Udupi and Mangalore Lokayukta stations were part of the operation.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Procedural delays hinder KSRTC's electric bus plans
Mangaluru: Though the govt has sanctioned 100 electric buses each to the KSRTC's Mangaluru and Puttur divisions, it may take several months for the authorities to make this happen. The KSRTC Mangaluru division was sanctioned 100 electric buses, but officials said they are waiting for approval from Mescom to set up two charging stations in the city. The division can float tenders to build charging stations only after getting approval from Mescom. Further, it will take at least three months for the KSRTC to build charging stations at Bejai and Kuntikana. Rajesh Shetty, senior divisional controller of KSRTC Mangaluru division, said that the proposal to run electric buses is still in its initial stage of implementation. "We have to set up charging stations before commencing the operation of electric buses. For this, we need approval from Mescom. KSRTC's request for permission from Mescom to set up charging stations at the KSRTC bus stand in Bejai and the depot at Kuntikana is in its final stage. Once the approval is given, Mescom will begin the underground cable laying work to both locations. Later, the KSRTC will invite tenders to build charging stations on its premises. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo It may take at least three months to build charging stations at the KSRTC bus stand and depot. In the next phase, the division will finalise the routes on which the new electric buses can be introduced," said Shetty. In fact, all the new 100 electric buses are meant only for operations within the city limits. There are two types of electric buses, including 250 km and 180 km range, respectively. Depending on the type of vehicles the govt sanctions to the division, the division will prepare routes and schedules, he said. There is another demand from the people to introduce round-trip buses that operate within Mangaluru city. The RTO has suggested the division reserve at least two to three buses exclusively to cover major locations within Mangaluru city. Those buses will operate within the city limits, covering major locations like KSRTC, Lalbagh, Bejai, KPT, Kavoor, Padil, and other places. The division will have to appoint additional drivers and conductors to introduce the round-trip buses, the officer said. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Brother's Day wishes , messages and quotes !
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
Monitor vulnerable areas continuously: DC
Mangaluru: With Dakshina Kannada receiving widespread rainfall, deputy commissioner (in-charge) K Anandh directed continuous monitoring in areas prone to flooding and waterlogging. Presiding over a meeting of the District Disaster Management Authority at the Praja Soudha on Wednesday, he said that necessary measures should be taken to prevent water stagnation in low-lying areas that were flooded during previous monsoons. Regular visits must be made to such places to ensure the smooth flow of water without any blockages. He stressed that human negligence must not lead to loss of life. Landslide-prone and flood-prone areas must be identified in advance, and residents evacuated during red alerts. He warned that any negligence in disaster management would not be tolerated and that strict action would be taken under the Disaster Management Act against negligent staff or officials. Village accountants, PDOs, and heads of urban local bodies must be available and respond to public grievances. The control room must function round the clock, he said. "To prevent injuries or casualties caused by trees or electric lines during the rainy season, the forest department and Mescom must take swift action. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like [Click Here] - 2025 Top Trending Search - Local network access Esseps Learn More Undo Trees posing danger and electricity lines must be cleared. The fire department and Mescom should deploy additional vehicles if needed. Drains on both sides of highways must be cleaned to avoid waterlogging. Dilapidated school and anganwadi buildings must be cleared. Teachers must ensure that children do not touch electric switches or cables in schools, and no classes should be conducted in structurally unsafe rooms," he added. During heavy rain, restrictions must be imposed on tourists and the public from visiting waterfalls and the seashore. Fishermen have already been directed not to enter rivers with boats. During the fishing ban period, labourers must not sleep in boats. The minor irrigation department must take steps to desilt dams and small barrages under its jurisdiction. Technical study A technical study, Hydrological and Hydraulic Assessment of Sub-Watersheds around Mangaluru International Airport was conducted in collaboration with the NITK. On allegations that low-lying areas are getting inundated due to runoff from the Mangaluru Airport runway, the DC directed airport authorities to take appropriate action and build public trust. In response, airport representatives clarified that no water was accumulating on the runway. Water testing The DC instructed that drinking water supplied by urban local bodies and gram panchayats be tested in a laboratory every 15 days. "Care should be taken to prevent drinking water pipelines from being connected with sewage pipelines. All local bodies must ensure water is free from contaminants. The health department must raise awareness about boiling drinking water. People should boil even well water before consumption for better health," he advised. Additional DC G Santosh, Mangaluru City Corporation commissioner Ravichandra Naik and ACP Geetha Kulkarni were present.
