An ambitious underground electricity cabling project was launched nearly a year ago to ensure uninterrupted power supply to residents of Sattari taluka.
A target of laying approximately 100 kms of underground power lines was set, of which 70 kms have been completed so far, according to officials from the electricity department. The remaining 30 kms are expected to be completed before the onset of the monsoon.
According to sources, the work is currently underway in 12 village panchayat areas and within the jurisdiction of the Valpoi Municipal Council.
Sattari taluka frequently faces power disruptions during the monsoon season. Strong winds and falling trees often damage overhead power lines, leaving residents without electricity for several hours. To permanently address this recurring issue, the State government had decided to implement underground power cabling across the taluka.
The project had been launched by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant in the presence of Power Minister Sudin Dhavalikar, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane, and local MLA Deviya Rane.
Meanwhile, in Valpoi municipality, several roads have been dug up to facilitate the laying of underground cables. This has left certain stretches in a hazardous condition, causing inconvenience to pedestrians and motorists.
However, officials have clarified that the inconvenience is temporary and unavoidable due to the essential nature of the work. They added that efforts are being made to restore and repair the roads at the earliest.
Officials have stated that work on the remaining 30 kms is progressing steadily and will be completed before the monsoon season.
Although the project faced temporary delays in some panchayat areas due to technical and local issues, those obstacles have now been addressed. Authorities have expressed confidence that the entire 100-km project will be completed as planned.
Once finished, the project is expected to significantly reduce ” if not completely eliminate ” frequent power outages in Sattari taluka, especially during the monsoon season, the electricity department claimed.
