PANAJI
Replacing overhead conductors and transmission lines with an underground cabling network across Goa is a sure shot long term solution and a need of the hour, according to Power Minister Ramkrishna (Sudin) Dhavalikar, but it is a very expensive one and could take between five to ten years to implement.
"We know that underground cabling is the need of the hour, but the cost is very high," Dhavalikar said after meeting with elected representatives in Bicholim on Saturday to discuss issues related to power department there.
"Underground cabling costs around Rs 50 lakhs per kilometre," Dhavalikar said, adding that the costs are significantly higher if 'trenchless technology' is adopted to execute it.
One of the reasons why Goa's power transmission and distribution networks suffer frequent snags disrupting supply to consumers especially during the monsoons and inclement weather is because transmission infrastructure is physical rupture of overhead infrastructre because of gusty winds besides trees and branches falling.
Some cities and localities already have underground cabling done including Panaji, Margao and some parts of rural Goa.
Meanwhile, Dhavalikar claimed that Goa is the only State where power load shedding does not take place.
In a veiled critique of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Dhavalikar said: "During elections, many parties came to Goa and spoke of free electricity, but one should see what is happening in Punjab. At night there is always load shedding. Even in neighbouring States of Goa there is power shedding done, but Goa is the only State where there is no power-shedding."
Dhavlikar took the opportunity of visiting the power sub-station at Sal and was accompanied by the legislator from Bicholim, Dr Chandrakant Shetye and Mayem MLA, Premendra Shet.
