Suspecting negligence by officials for the fire at Sharavathi Generating Station near Jog-Kargal in Shivamogga district on February 18, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Kagodu Thimmappa has asked Energy Minister D.K. Shivakumar to unearth the reason for the mishap.
Speaking to media on Saturday, Mr. Kagodu said a high-power committee should probe the reason at the earliest, as promised by Mr. Shivakumar. The power generating station falls under Sagar Assembly constituency represented by Mr. Kagodu.
The fire accident will result in shortage of an approximate 1,000 MW of power. The government has to make alternative arrangements to procure power to tide over the situation this summer, Mr. Kagodu said. Expressing concern over the depleting water storage in State reservoirs, the Speaker said elected representatives should devote more time to discuss the issue. “I will allocate more time to discuss issues pertaining to drinking water, fodder for cattle, and power, besides creating employment for the rural people,” he said.
Expressing his regret over not holding sessions for 60 days in a year as promised, the Speaker promised to make this session more meaningful.