Mangalore:  The electricity generation unit that is being set up at Kateel for the benefit of the Kateel Sri Durgaparameshwari Temple, has suffered damage incurring a loss of Rs 1.5 lakhs due to flood waters.

Though the unit was set up at a cost of Rs 6 lakhs six months ago, the power generation had not commenced for want of water flow. On Thursday,  power generation had commenced on an experimental basis. But, the heavy rains the same night resulted in the washing away of a  bridge constructed to approach the unit, as well as the motor unit.

Ratnaker who is in-charge of the plant has said at present one cannot go close by the unit and has to wait until rain subsides. There is a complaint that a strong shed was not constructed atop the vented dam despite being aware that there will be a heavy flow of water during monsoons. Abhayachandra Jain, MLC visited the place on Friday.