Power connection procedure eased for religious buildings on natham, poramboke land

In a circular, the commercial wing of the Tangedco said that the new instruction has been issued in line with the State government’s order delegating the power to issue no-objection certificate (NOC) for obtaining electricity connection to tahsildar.

The government order (GO) issued by the Revenue Department said that it has been brought to the knowledge of the government that a large number of places of worship in natham and unobjectionable poramboke land in the State were facing problems in getting a power connection.

Earlier, the district Collectors were mandated to issue NOC to get power or water connection to unauthorised religious structures after a detailed examination. But the Collectors are engaged with various sensitive issues and were finding difficult to dispose of the applications for grant of NOC, the GO said, delegating the power to tahsildar.

The tahsildar should adhere to the Supreme Court direction in ensuring that the religious structures should be in existence for at least two years and should not cause inconvenience to the public in any manner. It should not hinder the free movement of public and maintenance of law and order. The official should process the application from the religious places for NOC after inspecting the land and verification of relevant revenue records, the GO said.

Tangedco said that electricity connections to the religious structures in natham and unobjectionable poramboke lands, including public places, should be provided only after obtaining NOC from the tahsildar. “Any lapses in this regard shall be viewed seriously and action as deemed fit will be taken against the erring officials,” the circular stated.