Angry Nagargao locals march to Valpoi power office at night

The areas worst affected by the power outages are Nanoda, Bamber, Dhave, Uste, Kodal, Satre and Derode in Nagargao panchayat.

According to sources, the ABCs were installed about two years ago on account of continuous damage to power lines due to forest trees.

But the ABCs did little to improve the power supply in the area and frequent outages continued to take place.

“The ABC has regularly developed faults at Ambyche Mal and this has led to frequent power outages. After laying the ABC, it was the responsibility of the agency to maintain it, but the contract of the agency has ended and the electricity department is now managing these ABCs,” said a local.

Power supply was interrupted on Tuesday afternoon and when it was not restored till late night, angry locals marched to the Valpoi substation office.

They demanded a permanent solution to the ABCs before monsoons, failing which they have warned the electricity department of serious consequences.

When contacted, electricity department Assistant Engineer Deepak Gawas said necessary repair work was done and power was restored at about 2.30 am on Wednesday.

“A total of 39 kms of ABCs have been installed in the area and connections have been made at many places. The contract with the agency has ended and due to this, department employees are being trained to maintain the ABCs,” said Gawas.

“Re-connection works are underway in areas affected by power outages. More than 40 connections have been weakened at a distance of 39 kms in Nagargaon Panchayat area and the repair work will be taken up. Complaints have started increasing after the ABCs were laid in this area.”

“Efforts are made to restore power supply as soon as possible after a power outage, but we encounter various problems when these disruptions take place at night. A proposal for the underground power line is awaiting approval,” he added.