Tanzeem delegation meets HESCOM officials over frequent power cuts in Bhatkal during Ramadan

Bhatkal: 21 march,2025 (Bhatkallys News Bureau) Amid growing concerns over frequent power outages, a delegation from Majlis-e-Islah-o-Tanzeem met officials of Hubli Electricity Supply Company Limited (HESCOM) to discuss the issue and seek an uninterrupted power supply, especially during Ramzan.

The delegation, led by Tanzeem President Inayatullah Shabandari, visited the 33/11 kV substation at Heble and held discussions with Bhatkal HESCOM Assistant Engineer Manjunath. Shabandari expressed serious concern over power disruptions, emphasizing that Muslims engage in late-night prayers and wake up early for Sehri during Ramzan, making electricity failures particularly distressing. He urged HESCOM to take necessary steps to ensure uninterrupted power supply throughout the holy month.

In response, Assistant Engineer Manjunath refuted allegations that HESCOM deliberately disconnects power during Ramzan and Muslim festivals, calling them baseless. He explained that Bhatkal is the highest revenue-generating taluk in Uttara Kannada, contributing approximately ₹10 crore per month to HESCOM. A one-hour power outage alone results in a loss of nearly ₹10 lakh, making intentional disruptions illogical, he stated.

Manjunath clarified that the high electricity consumption in Bhatkal puts immense pressure on transformers, sometimes leading to overload failures and sudden power disruptions. He informed the delegation that an additional 5000 KVA transformer had recently been installed as a temporary measure to help stabilize power supply during Ramzan.

However, he stressed that a permanent solution is needed to address Bhatkal’s power issues. He pointed out that installing a 110 kV power line and linking it to the Byndoor grid would provide long-term relief, but the project is currently facing multiple challenges. He urged Tanzeem to use its influence at the government level to help expedite the project’s implementation.

Tanzeem General Secretary Abdul Raqeeb M.J. Nadvi, Jailani Shabandari, and Azeezur Rahman Ruknuddin Nadvi assured HESCOM officials that they would actively lobby with the government for a permanent solution.