What would be your choice?

By Bhamy V. Shenoy

If given the choice between receiving up to 200 units of free power supply (Gruha Jyothi) and uninterrupted power supply on a 24×7 basis, many of us would likely lean towards the uninterrupted power supply.

My intention in raising this issue is not to criticise the strategy of the Congress party, as undoubtedly, such promises may have helped it win the last Assembly elections. Other parties, including the BJP, have also made similar guarantees, which can have long-term implications for the State and country.

As voters, we have a responsibility to engage in discussions about these issues. Uninterrupted power supply is essential, especially in the internet era as we move towards Artificial Intelligence. It is a basic necessity that benefits both the poor and the affluent.

Unfortunately, in Mysuru, we have come to accept frequent power interruptions as our ‘fate’, considering them to be a natural occurrence. Back in the early 90s, when the Mysore Grahakara Parishat (MGP) organised protests against such interruptions, there was significant participation. However, if MGP were to organise a similar protest today, the turnout would likely be much lower.

The planned power supply cut for many parts of the city on May 25, lasting full eight hours, compelled me to initiate this discussion and urge Mysureans to demand a better power supply.

Although it was announced that the power cut would last from 10 am until 6 pm, it persisted beyond 6.40 pm. Yet, how many of us lodged complaints regarding the delay? In a democracy, if we, the people, remain silent, improvements will never materialise. It’s time to cease solely blaming elected leaders for our problems; we must acknowledge our responsibility.

Thanks to Gruha Jyothi, the Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation (CESC) has limited funds for necessary repair projects. Ensuring uninterrupted power supply is not beyond reach; it requires investment in alternate supply systems, such as underground cables, to mitigate minor natural disruptions (excluding severe storms or winds). However, such projects necessitate funding.

When residents approached the Managing Director of CESC to inquire why well-developed areas like Yadavagiri experience frequent power outages, the response was straightforward. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) to lay underground cables has long been awaiting approval due to funding constraints.

It is imperative that we, the people, organise meetings with our elected leaders to demand an uninterrupted power supply. We must also hold officials accountable for fulfilling promises regarding power provision.