BICHOLIM
Power Minister Sudin Dhavalikar on Thursday said a Rs 25 crore scheme would be allotted to each constituency in the State, to enable improvement in old power lines, machinery and underground power lines.
Dhavalikar was speaking to reporters during his day-long visit to various sub-stations in Bicholim taluka, where he interacted with officials.
“A plan to improve power supply with underground cable is underway. In many places, work to replace power lines which are over 50 years old, transformers, cables, poles, circuits, etc. is also in progress,” said Dhavalikar.
The minister also interacted with Bicholim MLA Dr Chandrakant Shetye and Mayem MLA Premendra Shet on proposals for new schemes and underground cabling to improve power supply and to promote the use of solar power.
In the afternoon, Dhavalikar held a review meeting with panchayat representatives, power officials and MLAs to take stock of issues in Bicholim taluka.
During the meeting, Dhavalikar said the power department has planned to lay underground cables in forest areas and dense bushes. He also said special efforts are being made to promote solar energy.
During the meeting, many members highlighted problems like power outages, old cables, street lights, transformers and erratic power supply.
After listening to their grievances, Dhavalikar and Chief Electrical Engineer Stephen Fernandes assured that authorities would take measures to ensure that all problems are addressed.
The minister also appealed to the public to take the initiative to install solar energy panels.
Bicholim MLA Dr Chandrakant Shetye expressed confidence that many schemes and proposals submitted by him to Dhavalikar would be considered, which would solve power problems in Bicholim constituency.
Mayem MLA Premendra Shet also discussed new proposals in Mayem Constituency.
