While CM Yeddyurappa smiled for the cameras at Global Investors' Meet, all work in Bangalore's small-scale industries came to a standstill
While CM Yeddyurappa smiled for the cameras at Global Investors' Meet, all work in Bangalore's small-scale industries came to a standstill
A power cut in the city cast its ugly shadow over the success of the Global Investors' Meet (GIM) yesterday.
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While CM B S Yeddyurappa smiled for the cameras at the conclusion of day one of the two-day meet, small and medium scale industries, in and around city, were enveloped in darkness.
"The CM is presenting a rosy picture of the state's infrastructure at the meet and here we are immersed in darkness.
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| A worker sitting outside a workshop that's enveloped in darkness following power cuts in the city. |
Our factories have come to a halt thanks to the unscheduled load shedding," said Anand Gupta, who runs an ancillary unit of MICO in Peenya Industrial Area.
Around 80,000 small and medium enterprises (SMEs), in the city, are witnessing load shedding for 3-4 hours a day, on an average, from past two months. Yesterday, to everyone's surprise, was no better.
"Our productivity has hit rock bottom. We are not able to repay our debts," said Gupta. "The situation is rather precarious. We pay them on piecework basis.
These power cuts hurt their earnings and make them want to search for greener pastures."
M C Dinesh, president of Karnataka Small Scale Industries Association, however, said, there are reasons to be optimistic about the power supply situation in the state.
"Some of Industrialists who have inked deals with the CM plan to set up their own large scale power projects. That, I believe, should ease the burden somewhat."u00a0
G Crasta, president of Federation of Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industries, took a bleaker view of the power deals inked at the meet.
"The MOU for the Chattisgarh project was signed in September 2008. Nothing has come of it so far. It would be good if the big players keep their word," he said.
"What is worrisome is that no one is talking at the meet about the fate of existing industries in Peenya, Rajajinagara and Bommasandra. Nobody is talking about them," Crasta added.
800 MW
Peak load demand for power in the city on an average day
200 MW
Daily power shortfall in Bangalore city
6,000
Number of new power projects expected to be set up in the state thanks to deals signed as a result of GIM
| Vidhana Soudha deserted |
| The corridors of Vidhana Soudha and Vikas Soudha wore a deserted look on Thursday, as all ministers and bureaucrats were busy with the two-day Global Investors' Meet, which ends today.
After the meet, ministers are expected to rest over the weekend. Work at both Soudhas is expected to return to normal on Monday. |
