PANAJI
The Electricity Department has estimated a loss of about Rs 50 crore due to non-compliance with fee payment by the Goa Cable TV Networking and Service Providers Association. The department officials have however also halted its drive to remove overhead hanging cable wires from its poles as the matter is now sub judice.
The Association filed a petition in the High Court of Bombay at Goa last week, seeking relief from the cutting of cables. On the other hand, the All Goa Internet Service Providers assured compliance with the government’s directives by January 31.
Executive Engineer (Electricity Department) Kashinath Shetye said that the drive has been halted till February 1 while claiming that each violator will have to pay Rs 20 lakh approx and more towards overdue payments spanning 2-3 years. “They haven’t paid fees for using the electricity poles, which is around Rs 300 per pole,” he said.
“We had asked them (cable, internet operators) to provide a list so that we can impose fines on them. We also need an undertaking from these operators stating that, in case a pole falls or someone gets an electric shock, they will be held responsible. There are hundreds of wires hanging from each pole,” Shetye added.
So far, the EE confirmed that the department has neither received the undertaking nor the total list (of customers). He added that, depending on existing rules and the decision of Chief Electrical Engineer Stephen Fernandes, the violating operators might be required to pay a 100 per cent fine in addition to their pending dues. “They should also print their names on the cable wires,” he added.
As of now, the department has incurred losses of Rs 50 crore. Shetye said they calculated this estimate based on our assessment of what each operator owes the department.
“The cutting of illegal cable wires has been suspended till February 1. Our Chief Electrical Engineer will take a final call thereafter. Our primary focus is the safety of linemen and revenue generation. We are also working at removing old poles and replacing them with new ones,” he said.
When asked if a further stay might delay action, Shetye stated that it would be the responsibility of the operators if any untoward incident occurs.
