Stray dogs pose new challenge for survey enumerators in Karnataka's Hosapete
Hosapete: Stray dog menace has emerged as a serious concern for enumerators conducting the ongoing socio-economic and educational survey in Hosapete town. Fear of dog attacks is preventing surveyors from visiting certain areas, as demonstrated by a recent incident in Chitawadgi where a pack of stray dogs attempted to attack an enumerator.
Residents and civic activists blame the situation on the alleged failure of the local administration to implement the Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme in recent years, as reported by The New Indian Express on Wednesday. As a result, the number of stray dogs has reportedly increased sharply across the town.
Enumerators said they have raised the issue with the Vijayanagara district administration, but no concrete action has been taken so far. In fact, during a preparatory meeting held before the survey began, survey staff had reportedly urged authorities to address the issue to ensure their safety during field visits.
Few staff members are now requesting immediate action from the administration, stating that without it, conducting a door-to-door survey will be difficult. “I recently visited Chitawadgi to conduct the survey. Suddenly, three stray dogs started barking, and one of them charged at me. Thankfully, a few local residents rushed to my aid. Later, the residents told me that dog attacks are common in that area. We request the administration to take this seriously,” TNIE quoted an enumerator as saying.
Social activist Kumar K. echoed these concerns, saying, “Survey staff are hesitant to come to my area after seeing the number of stray dogs. It is not just enumerators; even the general public is afraid to walk on the streets.”
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Power tariffs under BESCOM to rise from May 1
Bengaluru (PTI): Power bills for consumers under the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM) will go up from May 1, following an order issued by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) on Friday.
The hike comes after KERC allowed the BESCOM to recover a revenue deficit of Rs 2,068 crore incurred in 2024-25, from the consumers.
As a result, for every unit of electricity consumed in 2024-25, the customers will be charged an additional 56 paise, it said.
"BESCOM shall calculate, for each of the active consumers of FY2024-25 the amount to be recovered based on their actual energy consumption during FY2024-25. Such amount shall be recovered during FY 2026-27 in equal monthly instalments, to be called as 'FY25 True up Charges', commencing from the first meter reading date falling on or after 1 May 2026 and concluding with the reading date ending on 30 April 2027," the order said.
"It is further ordered that BESCOM shall maintain a separate head of account, allocated for the purpose, to record the adjustment of the said amount to ensure full recovery of the deficit," it added.
Similarly Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (CESC) has also recorded a revenue deficit of Rs 121.71 crore and can collect an additional 15 paisa per unit for consumption in 2024-25, official sources said.
