Karkala: Work on Nandikur-Kerala high-tension power line halted

Karkala: The proposed installation of high-tension power lines from the Nandikur Thermal Power Plant to Kerala has faced a setback following strong opposition from local Congress leaders and residents. The project, which involves laying power lines across agricultural lands and residential areas in Inna village, was halted after protests led by Congress leader Muniyalu Uday Shetty and other local party members.

This initiative, approved during the tenure of BJP leader Sunil Kumar as the state Energy Minister, aims to supply power from Nandikur to Kerala. However, the high-tension lines are expected to pass through fertile farmland and densely populated areas in Inna village, posing a threat to the livelihoods of hundreds of farmers.

Speaking at the site, Uday Shetty criticized the BJP government, accusing it of jeopardizing the lives of Karkala residents. “This project, backed by the BJP at both central and state levels, has turned into a curse for the people who have elected BJP MLAs multiple times. The villagers now face the risk of losing their homes and agricultural land,” he said.

Following discussions with district officials, the ongoing work was temporarily suspended. Local Congress leaders, farmers, and villagers actively participated in the protest, voicing their concerns against the project.