50 illegal windmill poles to be removed in Thoothukudi

Madurai

The Thoothukudi administration has initiated action against certain windmill firms those have installed poles illegally on patta lands, poromboke lands and water flow channels in parts of Ottapidaram, Kayathar and Kovilpatti.

Based on the complaints received, a special team comprising of Revenue officials, who issued instructions for the removal of 50 poles, was formed. Five major windmill companies have been allegedly indulged in such practice. Over the last one week, these companies themselves removed 15 such poles.

The police team was also formed exclusively to file cases based on complaints of illegal installation of such poles, Thoothukudi Collector Sandeep Nanduri told reporters on Monday. The officials of those companies have been negotiating with the complainants to settle the issue.

Further, the Collector said that a few poles under the limits of Ottapidaram power substation were found to be energised. A letter was forwarded to the Tangedco officials for a temporary shutdown to remove such poles.

Action is being taken based on complaints, the Collector said. So far, 15 complaints seeking action against such illegal activity had been received. Such poles were removed in parts of Thattaparai village, Mela Arasadi and Savarimangalam. Expenditure incurred on removal of such poles were deducted as penalty from caution deposits made by the firms.