Udupi District Grapples with Frequent Power Cuts, Sparking Public Outrage
By ETF Desk
In the early hours of Saturday, power in several talukas of Udupi district was abruptly cut, leaving thousands of homes and businesses in darkness. Residents complained that the outage lasted for hours, with no prior notice from the electricity authorities.
Udupi is part of the coastal Karnataka region that relies heavily on the Dakshina Kannada Power Distribution Company (DKPDCO). The company has struggled with aging transformers and inadequate maintenance. Local officials say that load-shedding schedules are being reevaluated, but the constant disruptions suggest deeper infrastructure shortcomings.
The prolonged outages have raised alarm among local traders, schools and healthcare facilities. Small shops in Kundapura and Ullal reported losses, while a primary school in Byndoor had to cancel afternoon classes. Residents have staged a peaceful sit-in outside the DKPDCO office, demanding immediate remedial action and accountability. We need a reliable supply for the 24-hr needs of our community, said one protestor. The district administration has pledged to investigate the root causes and upgrade the system within the next quarter. Source: Google News – Udupi District.