PERNEM
According to sources, the Agarwaddo-Chopdem main junction was beautified by the tourism department at a cost of Rs 6.75 crore. The circle was inaugurated on December 25, 2016, and it had become a tourist destination.
The Agarwaddo Panchayat was in for a shock when it received the streetlight bill of Rs 34,031 for illumination of the circle from December 21, 2016, to February 20. The panchayat has also received a letter from Agarwaddo electricity sub-division directing the panchayat to pay the bill.
Agarwaddo Sarpanch Shashikala Damaji said they do not have any idea about the bill. “We have not given anything in writing to the department concerned that the panchayat will pay the bill for illumination of the junction,” she added.
Panchayat secretary Ramesh Mandrekar said it was not possible for the panchayat to pay the bill and panchayat has not given anything in writing that the panchayat is liable to pay the bill for illumination.
Sub-division electricity officer Rodrigues said the Agarwaddo Panchayat had submitted an application for electricity connection for the Chopdem circle, due to which the bill was issued to the Agarwaddo Panchayat.
