'Work without breaking a sweat': Power supply restored in Ernakulam collectorate

KOCHI: After a few days of unprecedented drama, the electricity connection in Ernakulam Collectorate was fully restored on Wednesday. The decision was taken following a discussion held by Ernakulam District Collector NSK Umesh with KSEB officials.

It was just some days back that the KSEB officials removed the fuse in the Collectorate after the office failed to pay the existing arrears that have now reached up to Rs 60 lakh. More than 30 offices stopped functioning after KSEB disconnected the electricity.

As the fan and AC stopped functioning, the staff inside the collectorate had to survive the sweltering heat. People who reached the office for necessary services also bore the brunt and were drained out in the heat. The Joint Council Civil Station Regional Committee had lodged a complaint with the District Collector demanding action to restore the disconnected electricity at the earliest. The decision was taken to restore the electricity when the Collector assured KSEB officials about clearing the arrears by March 31.

According to KSEB Deputy Chief Engineer Rejikumar, the collectorate was notified several times about the existing dues. He also mentioned KSEB's vow to maintain a collection efficiency above 99.5%. The Deputy Chief engineer later said that the electricity was restored in the collectorate only after getting assurance from the Collector himself.