MARGAO: Fed up with frequent power fluctuations and prolonged periods without electricity, the village panchayats of Benaulim constituency have issued a warning to take to the streets and protest if an immediate solution is not provided.
During a press conference held on Saturday evening in Varca, Sarpanch Selu Fernandes of Varca panchayat, Sarpanch Simon Pereira of Orlim panchayat, Sarpanch Dixon Vaz of Cavelossim panchayat, Deputy Sarpanch Nelsyn Jorge of Carmona panchayat, and other panch members from the affected villages accused the State government of neglecting the concerns of South Goa district and Salcete’s coastal belt in particular. They highlighted similar issues raised by panchayats in Velim and Curtorim constituencies.
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The panchayat representatives recounted the power outage experienced on Friday night, lasting from 10 pm to around 12.30 am, affecting the villages of Cavelossim, Carmona, Orlim, and Varca. Frustrated residents flocked to the Carmona substation seeking answers. Police had to be called in to provide protection to the linesmen, and the panchayat members expressed disappointment that supervisors or engineers were not present at the substation to address people’s queries.
Pereira expressed dissatisfaction with the response received when contacting the Junior Engineer (JE), who discouraged disturbance. Similarly, the Assistant Engineer (AE) directed them to speak with the JE. Pereira criticized the lack of accountability within the department, leaving people without answers and suffering from frequent power disruptions.
Jorge questioned the effectiveness of the government’s doorstep services, stating that basic amenities were not being provided. He highlighted the damages caused to electronic appliances and demanded compensation for affected residents. Jorge attributed the worsening problems to a one-day power shutdown for maintenance.
“The entire month of May has been the worst. People are suffering. There can be no more talking but only action now and we want solutions in a day’s time not later on or we will be forced to take drastic action. Yesterday at the Carmona substation, they were putting off the power to one village for 30 minutes to give power to another village for half an hour. Who makes these decisions?” questioned Vaz.
Vaz further noted that Benaulim-based villages receive power supply from Cuncolim and Carmona substations. However, officials have failed to provide satisfactory explanations, often stating that the ‘mains have stopped’ without elaboration.
The panchayat members called for comprehensive explanations and guarantees of problem resolution. They urged the Chief Minister and Power Minister to take action and stressed the importance of Power Department officials conducting inspections. Vaz suggested that underground cabling should be expedited as a long-term solution. Additionally, Vaz highlighted the need for proper facilities and upgrades at the two substations, as witnessed when batteries and equipment were brought from Panjim during the recent power outage.
