BENGALURU:Unable to handle the calls flooding its helplines following recent rains, Bescom is introducing 12 new mobile helplines from Saturday.Energy Minister D K Shivakumar on Friday said that in the last two weeks, every time it rained, Bescom received around 20,000 calls on the helplines.
“We were not prepared to handle such a deluge of calls on 1912 and we could attend to only 11,000 calls. So we are introducing 12 additional mobile helplines for all the four divisions. In about two months, we will introduce another 15 lines for 1912, which already has 30 lines,” he added.
Shivakumar admitted that all Bescom infrastructure like transformers and feeders had taken a beating during the recent rains which were accompanied by strong gales. Stations were also damaged.
“We get an average of 6,000 calls in a day. But because of trees and branches falling on our lines, power trips in many areas after rains. This leads to a huge surge in calls. We receive as many as 23,000 calls during rain days,” said a Bescom official.“Though Bescom needs to coordinate with the BBMP to clear trees, we do it alone several times to restore power quickly,” the official added.
Mandatory energy efficient pumpsets
The Energy Department has now decided to make it mandatory to install 4 to 5 star energy efficient pumpsets for all new connections, whether it is domestic, irrigation or industrial purposes. This rule will be applicable all over the state and a circular has already been issued.
Shivakumar said, “As of now, 39 per cent of our electricity supply is going towards pumpsets which we estimate to be about 26.5 lakh. With use of energy efficient sets, we are looking at saving at least 30 per cent of our power supply. The state is also eyeing to cut down on around `9,000 crore expenditure on free power for pumpsets. New users will have to shell out about extra minimum `15,000 per set for the energy efficient models.
Soon, 20 solar-powered pumpsets near Bandipur
The Department has come forward to install around 20 solar-powered pumpsets in the forest area around Bandipur. Shivakumar said that during his recent visit, he found all the ponds and lakes in the forest area dry.“There is no water for animals at all. We have asked the Forest department to identify places where we can install the pumps,” he said.
‘No intention to follow circular on Modi’s pic’
The Central government has issued a circular that all states must carry pictures of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, wherever Centrally funded schemes are implemented.D K Shivakumar, while speaking on Central government’s Deen Dayal Upadhay Yojana, said they had received a circular in this regard, but they had no intention of implementing it. “It is not possible to do it. We will reply to that circular,” he said.
Bescom mobile helpline numbers
East Circle
94808 16108/09/10
West Circle
94808 16111/12/13
North Circle
94808 16114/15/16
South Circle
94808 16117/18/19