Over 700 people electrocuted to death in K'taka in 2004-2006

Bangalore, Mar 29 (UNI) As many as 773 people here electrocuted to death during 2004-2006 and the Electricity Supply Companies have paid Rs 3.02 crore as compensation to the next of kin of the victims, Karnataka Energy and Public Works Minister H D Revanna informed the Legislative Council today.

Replying to a query from BJP's Vimala Gouda during question hour, he said that in many cases, the accidents occurred due to lack of awareness among the public and negligence on the part of the employees of the ESCOMs.

Mr Revanna said he had instructed the ESCOMs to initiate awareness programmes among the general public to prevent possible mishaps. The State Government would also take punitive action against the employees of the ESCOMs concerned for their negligence.

During Zero hour, on the submission of Congress member Saleem Ahmed, he announced that he would present a status paper on the current demand and supply position of power in the State. The Karnataka Power Corporation had taken measures to generate over 1,480 MW of thermal power, spending over Rs 5,000 crore. KPC also planned to generate over 4,000 MW of power and there was no dearth of financial resources.

The Minister informed that the State Government had taken measures to improve the distribution network and 475 sub-stations were being set up in the State. The Centre had agreed to accord priority to provide additional power through the Central grid.

UNI