MAPUSA
The Tivim panchayat has decided to convene a special Gram Sabha to discuss all issues pertaining to work on the 440 KV electricity cable from Tivim to Nachinola as part of the Goa Tamnar Transmission Project.
This was decided at a special meeting with residents, Goa Tamnar Transmission Project officials, the Bardez Mamlatdar, electricity officials and Comunidade officials on Tuesday.
The meeting was convened with the Goa Tamnar Transmission Project officials after many locals, especially farmers and businesses, had objected to new towers being set up to install the transmission line.
Those present included Sarpanch Sharmila Gadekar, Deputy Sarpanch Sandip Kauthankar, panch Shyam Vaingankar, panchayat secretary Dhiraj Govekar and Tamnar project Goa head Ninad Pilale, Indrajeet Singh, Survey Officer Dinesh Varma and other officials.
Fearing that such a high voltage power line would have adverse effects on people and farmers, the locals demanded more details about the project.
Seeking to highlight the importance of the project, Pilale said Goa does not produce its own electricity and depends on neighbouring states for this supply.
“The Tamnar project is need of the hour for Goa and it's essential to build towers to carry this power line,” he said.
Locals demanded to know how work could take place in private property without the permission of the property owner
In response, Pilale said there was no need to obtain NOC if the line was going through a field.
"The owner can only be compensated, an NOC is not needed. A notice is sent to the landowner two months prior and only then, further process is undertaken.”
“Electricity lines do not have long term adverse effects on the human body. The project is already approved by the central government and so, the State government is not obliged to give a separate notice. Besides, the Tivim Comunidade has already granted NOC for the project," said Pilale.
