Canacona hamlet to get power 64 years after Liberation

Canacona: The dreams of around 15 households to have a power connection will finally turn into a reality as the underground electricity cable laying work has begun.
Nestled in the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, the hamlet residents had time and again highlighted their plight stating that even after 64 years of Goa’s Liberation, they are yet to witness power infrastructure.
Speaker and Canacona MLA Ramesh Tawadkar launched the 11kV underground electricity cable laying work at the foot of Keri hillock on Monday in presence of Cotigao sarpanch Vrunda Velip besides electricity department officials.
The 3.5-km-long low-tension line will be laid at an estimated cost of Rs 6 crore. This will be the most challenging project given the topography of the hamlet, said Canacona electricity department assistant engineer Govind Bhat after the launching of the work.
“Extending electricity supply and that too with underground cabling to the hilly terrains of non-accessible Keri area assumes significance as it requires more, including taking care of wildlife besides preserving streams and culverts along the way,” he said.
He further said that his department is keen to achieve the target within a month, but the period may extend if it starts raining before completion of the project.
Tawadkar stated that three major works were sanctioned for the Cotigao area, out of which three have been nearing completion. This includes construction of a road at Avali, installation of a mobile tower and the laying of underground electricity cable. He, however, said that the fourth work of constructing a road linking Nadkem will be taken up after the monsoons.