the goan I network
MAPUSA
Power Minister Nilesh Cabral on Saturday submitted a proposal seeking Rs 2,000 crore from the Centre for underground cabling to ensure 24x7 power supply to the State.
Cabral submitted the proposal to Union Power Minister Raj Kumar Singh during a meeting at the Powergrid in Colvale. The union minister is on a four-day private visit.
Cabral, who was accompanied by Principal Secretary (Power) Puneet Kumar Goel and other officials, later told reporters that Singh had assured he would look into their request.
Cabral informed Singh that Goa faces major power supply problems during the monsoons, which has compelled the power department to consider underground cabling to resolve frequent outages.
In this connection, Cabral said the power department had plans to set up a 33-KV and 11-KV high-tension lines in the State.
Cabral told reporters that the State government has sought a Rs 1,000-crore subsidy and a further Rs 1,000 crore as interest-free loan.
“Earlier, the State government had demanded Rs 1,000 cr from the Centre and only Rs 52 crore had been sanctioned,” Cabral said.
Responding to a suggestion by the union minister, Cabral said the power secretary and
officials of the electricity department will prepare a plan and submit it to the central government by January 5.
In addition, a proposal will also be submitted to the union government to set up a hydropower generation project at Anjunem and Selaulim dams.
