Caurem-Pirla family in the dark for 45 days, burns firewood for heat and light

QUEPEM: Lives of three families in Caurem-Pirla village in Quepem taluka is enveloped in darkness for more than a month and are forced to burn firewood for lighting their homes, all thanks to the apathy of the Electricity department, which is making them run from pillar to pole to get power connection even after paying Rs 30,000 for it eight years ago.

These households were getting power through the temporary and hazardous service wires. But, due to the breaking down of the wires, there hasn’t been any power supply to these homes since the last 45 days.

Despite the fact that breaking down of these wires has been a recurring issue, there hasn’t been any effort from the local Electricity Department officials to get the fault rectified.

With no help coming from the authorities, one of the affected persons from Panawado, Raghoba Gaonkar, paid Rs 30,000 to the Electricity Department in 2016 for installing 15 electricity poles in his area, hoping for a stable power supply. Yet, even after eight years, not a single pole has been erected. Instead, the Electricity Department resorted to using precarious service wires to provide power, putting the lives of local residents at risk.

Gaonkar has been repeatedly approaching the Electricity Department office, only to get turned away each time. Even after paying a bomb, Gaonkar has received nothing but assurances from the department.

Adding to his frustration, the department has instructed him to arrange for a tractor or truck to collect the poles, which is an impossible task.

“We built this house here in 2014. We didn’t have electricity at that time. We were given a temporary electricity connection through the hanging service wires. But these wires broke down several times. So when I went to the local Electricity Department office, I was told that 15 poles would have to be installed to provide a permanent electricity connection and it would cost Rs 30,000,” Gaonkar said.

“I paid the money in January 2016. After that, I inquired several times, but did not get any answer. The last time I went, the officials told me to bring a tractor to take the poles. From where will I bring a tractor and how will we take the poles? We have given up hope that we will get electricity,” he asked.

In the Goa State Budget for 2024-25, Rs 3,999 crore has been allocated for infrastructure and power purchase, with a significant portion earmarked for the underground cable system. Yet, individuals like Raghoba Gaonkar, who have already paid for services, remain without electricity.

With no resolution in sight, the residents have lost hope and are now forced to rely on wood fires for their daily needs. The situation is particularly dire for the children, who are compelled to study by firelight.

This is yet another example of the challenges faced by rural communities in accessing basic amenities. The residents of Panawado are now appealing for urgent intervention to restore their electricity supply. Will the Power Minister act against the irresponsible officials?