Farmers End 15-Year Stalemate, KPTCL Project Resumes in Mysuru

The Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL) has resumed work on the long-delayed 220kV Kadakola-Vajamangala power line project in Mysuru district, following a breakthrough agreement with farmers and landowners. On Thursday, KPTCL distributed compensation to landowners and restarted the stalled infrastructure work with the support of local farmers, union leaders, and the police department.

Project Stalled Since 2011 Finally Moves Forward

The project, initiated in 2011, had faced significant delays due to disputes over compensation and other issues. While 83 power towers were constructed as part of the plan, the critical line-stringing work had remained incomplete for over a decade. After renewed negotiations led by KPTCL Managing Director Dr. V. Ram Prasath Manohar and directives from Energy Minister K.J. George, the corporation agreed to provide enhanced compensation to affected landowners, paving the way for the project’s resumption.

KPTCL has now committed to completing the line-stringing work within the next 40-50 days. The project is expected to significantly bolster power connectivity in the Mysuru region.

Farmers’ Cooperation Key to Progress

The resolution of the impasse was attributed to KPTCL’s conciliatory approach. “Landowners and farmers expressed happiness over KPTCL’s amicable approach and assured full cooperation for its projects,” the corporation stated in a press release. Energy Minister K.J. George emphasized the importance of farmers’ trust, stating, “KPTCL is always ready to provide compensation and necessary assistance without causing hardship to farmers. If you trust us and cooperate, power services will be provided efficiently.”

Dr. Manohar highlighted the broader mission of upgrading power infrastructure in the Mysuru region, while Superintendent Engineer Ramesh expressed optimism about completing the project swiftly with continued support from landowners and farmers.

Why It Matters

The completion of the Kadakola-Vajamangala power line is expected to improve power transmission reliability and efficiency in the region, benefiting both farmers and the general public. The resolution of this 15-year impasse also sets a precedent for resolving similar disputes through dialogue and fair compensation, underscoring the importance of collaboration between authorities and local stakeholders.

Source: The Hindu