Govt overturns order on power connections

The government has overturned the former Devikulam Subcollector’s order barring the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) from providing electricity connection to buildings without proper documents in eight villages in Idukki district.

An order issued by the Principal Secretary, Power, overrules the directions issued to the KSEB not to supply connection to the buildings in Kannan Devan, Bison Valley, Chinnakanal, Santhanpara, Vellathooval, Anaviratty, Pallivasal, and Anavilasam villages without obtaining clearance from the Revenue Department. The directions were issued in the wake of the accelerated drive against encroachments in Idukki.

The order says electric connection to the eight villages will no longer need an NOC from the Revenue Department. However, the KSEB may disconnect the supply if the building was found to be located on encroached land.

Electricity Minister M.M. Mani had intervened in the issue after residents of the villages complained about the hardship caused by the restrictions on power supply.

A press note by the KSEB said the order would clear the way to provide new electricity connection for hundreds of applicants in the eight villages.