Underground power lines project yet to take off

Srikakulam: Underground (UG) power lines project proposed by the AP Eastern Power Distribution Company Limited (APEPDCL) in Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam and Godavari districts, connecting all important temples, is yet to be materialized. 

Sun God temple at Arasavalli in Srikakulam, Pydithalli temple in Vizianagaram, Simhadri Appanna temple at Simhachalam in Visakhapatnam, Veera Venkata Satyannarayana temple at Annavaram in East Godavari and Venkateswara temple at DwarakaTirumala in West Godavari have been selected. 

The project was proposed with Rs 100 crore to avoid power related accidents and disturbances during calamities. During auspicious days, it is very difficult to clear devotees rush and traffic snarls at temples and power lines are often creating hurdles to manage it. To avoid it, APEPDCL has proposed UG power lines around the temples under the Central government aid as part of beautification of temples and tourist places. 

Central government’s agency, Rural Electrification Corporation (REC) has to clear these UG power lines proposals. “We have prepared detailed project reports (DPRs) for all five temples with Rs 100 crore estimation and sent it to Central government for its approval but we are yet to receive any communication in this regard,” said chairman and managing director (CMD) of APEPDCL, Hanumanthu Yerrappa Dora to The Hans India.