Mescom Proposal Brings Hope of Electricity to Uralagallu Village in Sagar Taluk

Quick Summary

• Location: Uralagallu village in Sagar taluk, Shivamogga district, Karnataka.
• Issue: Villagers displaced after the construction of Linganamakki dam in the 1960s have lived for over six decades without basic amenities like electricity, roads, schools, or health centres.
• Electrification Proposal: Mangaluru electricity Supply Company (Mescom) has submitted a proposal to electrify 54 households:

– Includes six transformers and laying of underground cables (26.8 km) and overhead low-tension lines (17.25 km).
– Estimated cost is ₹6.4 crore; requires forest clearance.
– The proposal is under technical verification by Forest Department’s ICT wing.

• Life Challenges:

– Villagers send children to residential schools due to lack of local educational facilities and walk up to 10 km for transportation or voting during elections.
– Fertile land used for agriculture shifted primarily from paddy cultivation to plantation crops like areca.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The plight of Uralagallu villagers underscores the long-term struggles associated with displacement caused by large-scale advancement projects. Their challenges-living without fundamental infrastructure for decades-highlight lapses in rehabilitation planning despite promises made at the inception of such initiatives. While Mescom’s electrification proposal marks progress after years of villagers’ protests, its reliance on forest clearances indicates hurdles yet to be overcome.

For India, this case raises broader questions about balancing development and environmental conservation while ensuring dignified living standards for affected populations.Addressing thes concerns may require more inclusive policies that prioritize timely access to essential services alongside ecological safeguards.

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