Unannounced power cut upsets Banalkars

Team Herald

MARGAO: Residents of Ward VIII in Benaulim are up in arms after the Electricity Department conducted an unscheduled power shutdown on January 30, catching locals completely off guard. The shutdown was originally scheduled for January 31, according to an official notice distributed through the Panchayat.

The affected areas included localities near Dr Podgo house, Laxmi Temple, and Britto house. Local activist Rudolf Barreto has strongly condemned what he calls “high-handedness” by the Electricity Department.

“The Electricity Department cannot take Benaulim people for granted,” said Barreto.

“Many residents were severely inconvenienced by this unannounced shutdown that came a day before the officially notified date,” he added.

The incident has sparked demands for accountability, with residents calling on the Sub-Divisional Engineer-I, who issued the original notice, to conduct an inquiry into the matter and provide an explanation to the affected community.

Locals are now seeking assurance that such incidents won't be repeated in the future.