Bengaluru Power Cut: BESCOM To Cut Power Supply Of Illegal Buildings; Know Details

Bengaluru Power Cut: In a major action against the illegal constructions in Bengaluru, the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Ltd (BESCOM) is planning to cut down the electricity supply of the buildings constructed in violation of the laws. However, the authority will only be able to take the action if there is a request from civic bodies of the city, including the panchayat raj department, statutory authorities, and the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP).

Earlier, BESCOM's chief general manager, operations (electrical), on Thursday directed the field officers to serve seven days notice to such consumers after receiving written directions from any of the appropriate authorities. “Any lapses on this will be viewed seriously,” the advisory stated, reported the Deccan Herald. Providing details, the authority emphasised that it has the right to cut the electricity supplies after getting permission from the relevant authorities.

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The authority cited provisions under the Indian Electricity Act and the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Corportion (KERC) Code 2004, which enables them to take necessary action. The BESCOM also pointed out the clauses of the mutually agreed power supply agreement that empower them to cut the power supply upon receiving instructions from government agencies. BESCOM, in its circular, also cited the proceedings of Lokayukta, referring to the collapse of a building at Babusapalya in which nine workers got killed.

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Earlier on December 17, the Supreme Court also pointed out the issue of illegal construction of buildings, especially in the metro cities. The Supreme Court specified that banks and the financial institutions cannot provide loans to any such building without verifying the certificate. The apex court also instructed the service providers to give electricity and sewage connections to such consumers only after they show the certificate. Many of the residents have supported the idea of the BESCOM, and they urged the other authorities to take similar steps to counter the issue of illegal constructions, reported the Deccan Herald.