Karnataka govt targets 745 MW solar generation through Kusum-C Scheme
Hassan (Karnataka), Jul 4 (PTI): Under the Kusum-C scheme, which aims to solarise agricultural feeders and provide daytime electricity supply to farmers' pump sets, 200 MW of electricity is already being produced. In the coming months, 545 MW of electricity will be generated, Energy Minister K J George said Friday.
Addressing a press conference after the energy department’s progress review meeting in the district, he said, "Under the Kusum-C scheme, construction of solar units with a capacity of around 200 megawatts has already been completed."
According to him, in the next few months, solar units with a capacity of 545 megawatts will be commissioned at 93 locations. This will help provide an adequate daytime electricity supply to farmers.
"Our government has set a target of generating 2,400 megawatts of solar electricity through feeder solarisation of agricultural pump sets under the Kusum-C scheme."
Recently, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah inaugurated a solar power unit established under the Kusum-C scheme in Gauribidanur. The feeder solarisation work is progressing at a rapid pace, George added.
Under the Kusum-C scheme, generating 1 megawatt of electricity requires four acres of land. If government land is available, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has directed that it be allocated free of cost.
However, George said that private power producers must pay Rs 25,000 per acre, which will be deposited with the district commissioner and used to improve government schools and Anganwadis in the villages where the substations are located.
“If private land is used, developers awarded the power generation contracts will lease the land and pay landowners a minimum of Rs 25,000 per acre,” the Minister said.
He said that efforts are underway to ensure a reliable power supply to farmers' pump sets. Of the 4 lakh unauthorised pump sets in the state, 3 lakh have already been regularised.
"For pump sets within 500 meters of power feeders, transformers will be installed by the department. Those beyond 500 meters will receive solar pump sets under the Kusum-B scheme," George said.
The Minister said Energy Department officials must promptly address the concerns of farmers and the general public. Rather than waiting, take the initiative to meet elected representatives, gather their feedback, and act on it.
"Neglecting public grievances will reflect poorly on the department. Senior officers have been instructed to take strict action, including transferring disengaged officials," he added.
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Owner of Rottweiler booked after it mauled woman during morning walk in Bengaluru
Bengaluru (PTI): The owner of a Rottweiler was booked after his pet allegedly mauled a woman during her morning walk here, leaving her with severe facial and neck injuries that required an eight-hour surgery, police said on Tuesday.
The incident happened when Shalini Dubey, (31), a techie at Teachers Colony in HSR layout stepped out for a morning walk near her home on January 26, they said.
CCTV footage of the attack shows the dog running towards her on the road, knocking her down and biting her repeatedly on the face and neck.
The dog was allegedly released onto the road by its owner without a leash or muzzle and attacked her, her family alleged.
Following the attack, she sustained severe injuries to her face and neck and received more than 80 stitches across her face, throat and scalp, her husband Satya Prakash Dubey said.
She underwent a nearly eight-hour-long surgery. One deep wound, measuring about seven centimetres, was dangerously close to her airway and she is currently hospitalised, he said.
The couple has a 17-month-old toddler, and the incident has left her deeply traumatised, Dubey added.
Recalling the incident, her husband said on January 26, around 6.50 am, his wife was returning from her morning walk when the neighbour's dog suddenly ran towards her, she fell down, and the dog brutally attacked her.
She suffered severe injuries to her neck, the right side of her face, and her scalp, Dubey said.
"If the pet owner could not control such a large dog, it should never have been allowed to roam freely. Pet owners are responsible for following safety norms, including using a leash and muzzle, especially in public areas," he told PTI Videos recently.
"My wife is in deep trauma and has suffered severe mental shock. As per doctors, the scars on her face and body will remain for life," he added.
Following a complaint, a case was registered against the pet owner Amaresh Reddy under Sections 117 (3) (voluntarily causing grievous hurt), 125 (act endangering life or personal safety of others) and 291 (negligent conduct with respect to animal) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and subsequently, he was held in connection with the incident, police added.
