Haveri: On Monday, the Karnataka State Farmers’ Association and Hasiru Sene district unit staged a protest at the city’s guest house, to draw attention of state energy minister KJ George. Their primary demands included reinstating quick connection schemes for agricultural pump sets and securing new electricity connections and RR numbers for farmers’ borewells. Minister George heard their grievances.
The demonstrators sought several infrastructure improvements, including the replacement of old poles and wires in farming areas, upgrading overloaded transformers, and enhancing power grids.
The agricultural community stressed their requirement for a reliable seven-hour electricity supply, noting their borewells’ depth exceeding 500 feet. They clarified that solar pump sets were unsuitable for these depths and emphasised the critical nature of their needs. They requested electricity connections for all pending applications.
The minister said they are already providing seven hours of electricity everywhere, with reductions only in areas with problems. If you are facing issues, bring them to the attention of the authorities, and we will fix them.
The energy minister announced plans to fill 3,000 power man positions across the state before April. During Monday’s meeting in Haveri, the minister stated that summer electricity demand would reach 19,000 megawatts. He confirmed arrangements to purchase electricity from other states and central sources to ensure consumer supply. The administration promotes solar systems for agricultural pump sets through the KUSUM-B Scheme to reduce power dependency.