Cyclone Tauktae may have struck with vengeance, but it has reminded the State government of the lessons it has failed to learn over the years. Goa lay battered, bruised and tormented by the fury of the cyclone, and like any other natural calamity, is left pondering on failures. Are citizens paying the price of callous attitude by successive governments, or is the State failing to get Central support on electricity reforms?
Tauktae was ferocious no doubt, and it crippled the fragile power distribution infrastructure like never before, plunging large parts of the State into days of blackout, leave alone the power fluctuations and numerous tripping of lines. Outages in some parts have lasted for over two days, and officials at the department are clueless on when normal supply will be restored. This is how unpredictable it gets.
Goa, which holds a high rank in infrastructure development among small states, is still relying on overhead power supply in several villages and the ambitious underground cabling plan which was rolled out during the Congress regime is taking ages. Interestingly, areas which have already switched to underground cabling have their own share of problems also facing power cuts and in the bargain throwing the quality of work in doubt.
It is intriguing why Goa has not made headway in power distribution, knowing well for a fact that the network is outdated and in shambles. Successive power ministers have submitted proposals to the Centre, including Milind Naik and Nilesh Cabral, but have failed to bring in sweeping reforms. What we have seen are piecemeal efforts in the form of white papers, helplines and fancy protocols, none of which have worked in the long run. Goans continue to face the brunt of blackouts and long power outages.
On paper, Goa stands tall in terms of getting awards in tourism and performance as a small state. We are the first State to achieve Open Defecation-Free status and we have the unique distinction of achieving 'Har Ghar Jal'. The reality may be a picture of stark contrast, but for the record, we have made it. We are the fastest developing small state, and we have several other awards in our kitty. Picture all the achievements against the helpless state of blackout we are in.
In a grim Covid situation that Goa is going through where patients are gasping for oxygen and thousands are undergoing treatment, the State cannot take further risks. We have enough of oxygen tragedies already. Today, electricity is the lifeline of not only those battling for lives in hospitals but the thousands who are under home-quarantine. The fragile network and extended blackouts only means that they are put through further pain and agony.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has announced that Tauktae fury did not impact medical facilities. It's a relief to hear that, but the government cannot take comfort in this. Goa is heading into monsoon in around a fortnight, and this Tauktae should be taken as a wake-up call. It's time to galvanize all resources to ensure that the common man is provided with the basic necessities of living -- electricity, water and food.
