Assures to take up bill issue with Maharashtra within two days
the goan I network
PERNEM
“I am aware of the notice sent by Maharashtra Electricity Board seeking payment of a bill for Rs 1.5 crore. I have sent my officers to Mumbai to discuss the issue and we will resolve the issue within the next two days,” said Madkaikar, while speaking to reporters during a visit to Morjim, after local Congress leader Babi Bagkar requested the power minister to intervene in the matter.
The Agarwada sub-divisional electricity office was in for a rude shock when it received a bill of Rs 1.5 crore from the Maharashtra government for supply of electricity to Tiracol village in Pernem taluka.
Madkaikar said the State government would also be willing to make alternate power arrangements in the village.
“We will supply electricity to Tiracol by solar power or lay an underwater power supply line,” he said.
“In any case, we will not let down our people from Tiracol and whatever is necessary will be done to ensure power supply in the village. People should not panic,” he said.
Although Tiracol is part of Goa, the village receives power supply from Maharashtra on account of its geographical location, which is on the Maharashtra side of the Tiracol river.
The village also houses the heritage Tiracol fort and a hotel located inside the fort.
Madkaikar called on the village leaders and the villagers not to panic and rest assured that the government will do everything in its capacity to provide power to the village should the Maharashtra Elcetricity Board disconnet supply to the village.
About 450 houses and business establishments in Tiracol receive power supply from the Maharashtra government and the village comes under the Agarwada sub-divisional electricity office.
