Areas to be covered are Sal, Mandrem, Calangute, Saligao, Karaswada & Panaji
the goan I network
PANAJI
“The work on the new substations will be taken on priority basis so that the issue of power failures in North Goa is addressed. Within the next three months the work on these substations will begin after the tendering process. In some places we already have the required land, while in others we will initiate steps to acquire it,” Madkaikar said.
Pointing out that many MLAs have proposed substations in their respective constituencies, he said the Executive Engineers (EEs) from respective divisions have been asked to carry out assessment on whether these are really required.
Madkaikar along with MLAs from North Goa reviewed the pre-monsoon preparedness in the presence of officials of the departments concerned. Apart from the pre-monsoon works, the MLAs also highlighted various issues in their respective constituencies. However, the MLAs who could not make it for the meeting have submitted their representations in writing.
Stating that the meeting held would help the Department in providing uninterrupted power supply to consumers in near future, Madkaikar said, “Many issues are common and interrelated to constituencies. We can draw a common solution to all these problems. The common problems include replacement of electricity poles, upgradation of transformers, replacement of conductors and installation of LED streetlights, among others. Nonetheless, we will soon begin with the procurement of the required equipment like conductors, transformers which either needs to be upgraded or replaced.”
Madkaikar also informed that installation of LED streetlights across the State will be completed by June-end. Presently, 60 per cent of the lights have been installed.
“As per the survey conducted, there are 1.8 lakh electricity poles. We want to install LED lights on these. The government is spending around Rs 100 crore on the same. The payment to the company will be released only after the entire work is completed.”
He also informed that most of the MLAs present at the meeting have asked for underground cabling in their constituencies, “As per government policy, we are first focusing on cities, followed by coastal and lastly forest areas. After these areas are completed, we may cosider it in the remaining areas.”
‘Jyotirmay Goa’ Scheme to be
suspended
The State Government has decided to suspend the ‘Jyotirmay Goa’ Scheme, through which it had provided three LED bulbs every household free of cost.
Speaking to media persons, Madkaikar said, “We have decided to discontinue with the Jyotirmay Goa Scheme. Till date we have distributed 7 lakh bulbs under the scheme. However, many are yet to collect them.”
Instead, the State Government plans to adopt a Central Government Scheme under which LEDs, tubelights and fans will be distributed to consumers at the cost price.
“We have already received the proposal of this scheme and within a month we will work it out. We will only have to provide a counter to provide these at our division offices,” he said.
No new power connections to commercial establishments in
Calangute till existing substations are upgraded: Lobo
PANAJI: Calangute MLA Michael Lobo has asked the Power Department not to grant any new power connections to commercial establishments in his constituency, at least till the existing power substations in his constituency are upgraded.
The demand was made at the meeting convened by Power Minister Pandurang Madkaikar which was attended by most of the MLAs from North Goa.
Speaking to media persons, Lobo said, “The coastal belt is facing major problems as far as power fluctuations are concerned. The number of hotels is increasing day by day but power scenario is still poor. I have asked the minister to stop giving new power connections to commercial establishments. These include big hotels and guest houses which are commercial in nature.”
Stating that the coastal area from Sinquerim to Baga is badly affected, he said, “Upgradation of the existing substations in Saligao and Candolim is the need of the hour. We have also proposed underground cabling from Porvorim to Saligao substation. Additionally, we have proposed another 33 KV feeder line to Nagoa substation. Only if this upgradation is done, we can release more connections.”
“The power scenario can be improved by adding transformers in the substation and bringing in new feeder lines. This will cost the state government at least Rs 100 crore,” Lobo said.
He, however, stated that power connections to residential areas can be given.
Stating that he will send a formal request to the Chief Minister and the Power Minister, he said, “Within the next one year, many new commercial establishments will come up in my constituency. There will be an increase of at least thousand rooms. How are we going to provide power supply to them?”
Lobo said, “I have told them to prepare estimates for a new substation at least in Saligao or Calangute. I have also asked for new transformers in the coastal belt. Around 30 new transformers are required right from Sinquerim to Baga. We have for box-type cages to existing transformers which are exposed causing danger to the lives of humans as well
as cattle.”
