Although the Electricity Department deputes linesmen at different locations in the State, still errors of various sorts over the electricity poles, transformers and other accessories are not attended on a priority basis.
These only mean that they fail to perform their basic duties. It would be appropriate to mention some practical instances in this regard. As on Thursday, December 10, a transformer existing near the Goa State Co-operative Bank Ltd at Sadar, Ponda was noticed in an exposed condition.
The situation proved dangerous for the lives of innocent pedestrians proceeding along this location. In the initial stages, the Electricity Department had introduced locking system for the transformers and all transformers were supposed to be locked compulsorily. However, the system has been discontinued and at some places we come across doors of transformers either being tied with a thread or a wire which do not serve a permanent purpose.
Further, creepers over electricity poles are not cleared regularly. One such instance was recently noticed on the electricity pole in the vicinity of Two Pillars at Queula Village (in Ponda). At some spots, missing fixtures on the electricity poles are not installed on a priority basis. Such a negligent attitude raises the difficulties of travellers and pedestrians proceeding along the concerned locations during the night. The location along the Adpai Jetty (in Ponda) is a perfect example in this regard.
Here two fixtures on the electricity poles have been found missing for quite long. However, till date no favourable action has come to the forefront. Even hanging fixtures on electricity poles are not being re-installed at the proper time. One such case was recently noticed in the vicinity of Shree Sateri Kelbai Temple, at Talaulim and another along the Adpai Jetty (both in Ponda).
At some areas non-working fixtures on the electricity poles remain unattended for long. At Daag area, darkness has been noticed along the road on most occasions. One non-functional fixture was recently noticed along the Durbhat Jetty.
In this connection, I can recollect a fact wherein a non-working fixture at ‘Dessai-Bhat’ area at Adpai was replaced only after one and half month. What a sorry state of affairs! Further, branches of trees touching live electrical wires near Almeida High School remain unattended for quite long. Such a situation turns dangerous for the lives of travellers and pedestrians proceeding along this location.
During the winds, there is every possibility of a short circuit taking place thereby resulting in adverse consequences. Although, maintenance vehicles of the Electricity Department, proceed along this route this matter often remains neglected. Above all, the on-off timings pertaining to streetlights are not strictly adhered.
For instance, as on December 11, streetlights in the vicinity of the premises of Ponda Municipal Council were found functional at 5.15 pm in the evening. As per rules the timing for switching the same is prescribed as 6 pm. Similarly, as on Saturday, December 12, streetlights at the Durbhat Bazaar were found working at 9.45 am. At Talaulim too, streetlights are found working between 8 am and 8.30 am on most occasions. Such an undesirable situation leads to wastage of the much precious power supply.
Last and not the least, two fixtures out the total eight numbers over the high mast lamp situated at Upper Bazaar have been found missing. As on Saturday, December 12, at 9 am, situation in this regard was found to be unchanged.
Perhaps, the linesmen deputed at this strategic location have failed to report this matter to their superiors. It is the need of the hour for the linesmen at the respective jurisdictions to work with greater responsibility and assure efficiency in performance of their duties on a permanent basis so that public at large receives better service.
I hope the higher officials at the Electricity Department would take a note of above important facts and instruct its linesmen accordingly so that favourable results are achieved in the welfare of the citizens.
The linesmen, who repeatedly fail to attend such defects, should be taken to task without any discrimination. Of course, the difficulties of commuters and pedestrians should end on a permanent basis. This in turn would improve the image of this important department. Let us hope that immediate positive steps would be initiated in public interest.
