SHYAM ZAMBAULIKAR
MARGAO: Over the past several days, frequent power fluctuations have plagued residents and traders in the Gogol Housing Board, Vidyanagar, and surrounding areas. While Power Department officials attribute the issue to malfunctioning insulators caused by the rains and accidental tree falls, they assured that their staff is working to identify and rectify the faults. However, residents fear that if the fluctuations persist, sensitive electronics such as computers, televisions, and home appliances may be damaged.
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Residents of Gogol Housing Board have been experiencing power fluctuations two to three times a day, with the frequency sometimes rising to seven or eight times, particularly in the evening. Milind Raiker, a resident of the Housing Board, mentioned that Power Department employees had promised to resolve the issue, but the fluctuations continue unabated.
Tulsidas Naik, a resident of Vidyanagar, expressed frustration, saying that the power outages and surges have severely affected their daily lives. Some outages have lasted for extended periods, further disrupting their routine. He added that while the Power Department staff blame falling trees for the malfunctions, the fluctuations have not ceased even after the monsoon rains stopped. He also noted that many residents who work remotely are missing important deadlines due to the power disruptions.
Ismail Shaik, another resident, said that the frequent power fluctuations have made life difficult, with concerns about the safety of electronic devices like computers and televisions. He noted that the situation had worsened in the past few weeks, with certain areas of the Housing Board experiencing daily fluctuations, raising fears of damage to household appliances.
A retired schoolteacher commented that power surges and voltage fluctuations are common in Salcete, often due to outdated electrical wiring and power lines, which struggle to meet the growing demand for electricity. While the Power Department claims to be fixing lines damaged during the rains, the teacher pointed out that low voltage and surges could still destroy appliances. He also stressed that residents have been advised to take precautions to protect their electronics, but such measures can be expensive.
To protect devices during power outages, he recommended using uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), surge protectors, voltage stabilisers and power inverters. and unplugging devices.
An assistant engineer from the Electricity Department, who wished to remain anonymous, explained that power fluctuations can occur due to several reasons, including poor wiring or corroded connections in home power lines. He also mentioned that placing too many devices on a single circuit can cause voltage drops, particularly if multiple devices are turned on or off at the same time. The engineer assured that each time a fluctuation occurs, the department works promptly to restore the power supply.
A lineman confirmed that power fluctuations can be caused by various factors, including strong winds, and reiterated that the department is diligent in restoring power quickly.
