HC notice to MP govt on PIL claiming poor power backup

endangering infants’ lives Jabalpur, Aug 28 (PTI) The Madhya Pradesh High Court hasissued notices to the state government and its powerdevelopment corporation seeking their response to a PIL whichclaimed poor quality solar power plants installed at somehealth care centres were endangering the lives of infants. The PIL filed by social activist Sushil Levi claimed thatMadhya Pradesh Urja Vikas Nigam (MPUVN)–the nodal agencyunder the state government to implement new and renewableenergy related initiatives–reduced the battery power bankcapacity of the solar power plants installed at seven primaryhealth and community health centres in Vidisha district. He has cited media reports to claim that poor powerbackup and low battery power of the solar plants had resultedin death of newborns in these institutions. The High Court recently issued notices and the matter islikely to be heard early next month. Levi has also sought action against officials of theMPUVN for allegedly reducing the battery power. "It is a very serious matter. Most of the primary healthcare centres in Madhya Pradesh do not have proper power backup and it is endangering the lives of infants. The stategovernment should constitute an enquiry into it," he said. The petition was filed in the High Court as repeatedrepresentations to the MPUVN seeking a probe in the matter didnot elicit any response, said Levi. There are over 1,100 primary health centres and nearly340 community health centres in the state. PTI AKV SKSRY