Gas pipeline contractor’s digging leaves Vasco ‘powerless’ for 22 hrs

VASCO: A major power failure has been reported in parts of Vasco after Indian Oil Adani gas pipeline contractor damaged underground electricity cables, on Wednesday night. The areas of Sada, Bogda, Baina and Mangor were left in darkness the entire night. Power was finally restored at 10 pm leaving the residents of the above areas without power for almost 22 hours.

Electricity Department Assistant Engineer Sanjeev Mhalshekar said, “Three cables to Kadamba Sub Station, Harbour and Bogda had been damaged due to the digging activity for laying the gas pipeline by a contractor working for Adani. A police complaint had been filed against the contractor.”

“The areas of Sada, Bogda, Baina and Mangor were affected. Vasco too was affected but power supply to Vasco has been restored,” Mhalshekar said.

Early Thursday morning, the Electricity Department employees reached the area to repair the pipeline. Initially, it was estimated that the work would be completed by 4 pm on Thursday, but Vasco had to wait till 10 pm for power. 

Adani’s contractor was told not to resume the work until cable tracking is done. Police were also told to stop the work of laying the gas pipeline.

Locals in the area complained, “We and our children had no sleep the entire night. There was a threat to their life since thefts take place in the area when there are no lights.”

“Police came, saw and went. The labourers dig as they want. Who is responsible for this?” the locals questioned.

Vasco MLA Krishna (Daji) Salkar said the power outage was due to lack coordination between the contractor and the Electricity Department.

Salkar, however, appreciated the efforts of the Electricity Department for repairing the fault and restoring power. He said that now the contractor will have to strictly coordinate with all the concerned departments before digging roads 

Electricity Assistant Engineer Sanjeev Mhalshekar said that the department staff did a good job and carried out works braving unseasonal rains. This was possible because the electricity staff located the damaged cables which were laid 15 years ago.