An end to the constant power-failures in Calangute could become reality with the construction of a sub-power station in the coastal village. The government has approved the project, while the electricity department is in talks with the Calangute Comunidade for the required plot. If they strike a deal, it will help expedite the work on the sub-power station.
Calangute, a tourist village that has been generating revenue worth crores of rupees to the State through tourism, relies on the villages of Saligao, Candolim and Nagoa-Arpora for its power. With the tourism industry blooming, leading to a rise in the number hotels and guest houses, Calangute’s power consumption has increased alarmingly. The authorities were forced to look for other ways to meet the village’s needs.
A sub-power station exclusively for Calangute was proposed, and the state government approved it. If all goes well, the village can boast of a state-of-the-art sub-power station.
Electricity Department officials in Calangute have approached the local comunidade for a plot to construct the structure and install other units. The comunidade, led by Agostinho Proenca, has been more than willing to part with its land in the interest of the locals.
“It is surprising that the tourist village of Calangute has to depend on other villages like Candolim and Nagoa-Arpora for its power. In recent times, we have been facing power-supply problems, which could be addressed with the setting-up of sub-power station exclusively for Calangute” said resident Rajesh.
The Assistant Engineer of Calangute Electricity Department, Chandran said, “A sub-power station for Calangute has been approved by the government. It will be constructed through Central government funding. We want to take up the project urgently, but a plot of land is required to set up the structure, etc. The Comunidade of Calangute has shown us a plot of land for the project and hopefully it should go through. The completion of the project will take at least a year, but we will try to finish it sooner as it will help resolve Calangute’s power woes.”
When contacted, the President of Calangute Comunidade Agostinho Proenca said, “We have shown a barren plot of land to the electricity department, but a final decision will be taken in the general body meeting slated later this month.”
