PORVORIM: Opposition members on Tuesday demanded the scrapping of the inter-State Tamnar power line project due to uncertainties in Karnataka, while Power Minister Ramakrishna ‘Sudin’ Dhavalikar maintained that the infrastructure would improve the State’s power situation. The Tamnar project involves laying 240 kms of transmission lines through Goa and Karnataka to reinforce the current grid network.
In response to a starred question jointly tabled by MLAs Vijai Sardesai, Adv Carlos Alvares Ferreira, and Cruz Silva in the Legislative Assembly, the Minister stated that the Dharbandora to Mapusa portion of the Tanmar power transmission lines would be completed by 2023, and the segment from Karnataka to Dharbandora would be finished by 2025.
Opposition members highlighted observations made by the Supreme Court, deforestation resulting from the cutting of a large number of trees, and the lack of alignment fixation in Karnataka. They demanded the project’s cancellation. “Why proceed with the works when Karnataka has yet to finalise its alignment? A large number of trees will be felled, causing deforestation,” Sardesai remarked.
Adv Ferreira sought details about the government’s steps following the Supreme Court’s directions and the Central Empowered Committee’s recommendations, as well as the project status. He also questioned the rationale behind continuing the work without all necessary clearances from Karnataka.
The Power Minister clarified, “We don’t have control over the project. We’re pursuing it to secure 1,200 MW of electricity. Our focus is limited to the Goa area.” He informed members that even if the Tanmar power line remains incomplete, the high-cost infrastructure created in the State would benefit Goa, especially the power scenario in South Goa district.
Dhavalikar mentioned that the substation under construction in Dharbandora itself would be worth more than Rs 400 crore. Additionally, nearly 17,000 trees are set to be felled for the transmission project line from Dharbandora to Cuncolim to Xeldem. He attributed the project’s delays to various factors, mainly court litigation.
Assurances were given that the government had taken necessary measures to maintain power supply during the construction of the new 400 Kv line, as the current 220 Kv line would be impacted during the process.
