Karnataka government violated bidding guidelines / norms: KERC – TOI

Mysore: Protesters of Chamalapura power project have won the battle.

The Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) has said that the government has violated guidelines in the bidding process.

According to the city-based Mysore Grahakara Parishat (MGP), which had sought intervention of the power regulator, the KERC has told government-owned Power Company of Karnataka (PCKL) that it has violated the bidding guidelines issued by the Centre.

The KERC has held that the process was taken up without consulting others and hence it exposed the casual approach to the project.

The project was pushed vigorously by the JD(S) though its coalition partner the BJP did not approve of it.

Environmentalists are opposing the plant saying the proposed site is close to two national parks at Bandipur and Nagarhole.

Speaking to reporters, MGP activists Sudhir Vombatkere and Shankar Sharma said the KERC has advised the government to reconsider the decision on the project.

Though the directives are not a binding on the government as they are advisory in nature (since the KERC is a quasi-judicial body), the government cannot overlook them, said Shankar Sharma.

According to him, the KERC’s order issued on May 19 also asks the government to involve stakeholders and listen to their point of view. Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa should reconsider the project, he said.