KSEB move to replace overhead lines

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Electricity Minister A.K. Balan has said the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) would examine from which all sources it could raise the money required to replace overhead power transmission and distribution lines in and around Chettikulangara, in Alappuzha district, with underground cables.

In a submission in the Assembly on Tuesday, M. Murali said the overhead lines were an obstruction to the free movement of the tall chariots from the neighbouring villages to Chettikulangara on the day of the annual Bharani festival in March at the temple there.

Every year, the KSEB was required to untie the overhead lines to enable the believers to drag the traditional chariots to the temple. This resulted in days of blackout in the area in the midst of the temple festivities.

In reply, Mr. Balan said the festival was part of a great heritage. Replacing the overhead lines in the area with underground cables would entail an expense of more than Rs.1.5 crore and the KSEB would find out the source for the required amount at the earliest, he said.