the goan I network
MAPUSA
In another setback to the plan to resolve the power woes of Calangute constituency, the locals of Verla-Canca on Sunday decided not to allow the 33 KV electrical transmission line to run underground through their fields.
In a unanimous resolution in the gram sabha, villagers objected to the erection of the 33KV electrical transmission line through private agricultural land and directed the power department to remove all equipment placed in the fields without obtaining the consent of the landowners.
The gram sabha members said that the electrical cables were laid only two feet below the ground level which will pose grave danger to the life of farmers.
“In the past there have been instances of cattle being electrocuted. Such irresponsible placement of cables cannot be accepted in the interest and safety of the local residents,” the resolution said.
The locals have also disputed the department’s map showing the route of the proposed line which they said was completely inaccurate.
They also said the work of the electricity department to lay the power line through the private property was illegal as the department has failed to obtain NOC from the landowners.
Another local said in the past the department had taken such electrical line through the fields which has caused significant hardship to them and adversely affected their farming activity.
Verla Canca Sarpanch, Milton Marques said the villagers were very upset as the electricity department had done a shoddy job of laying the power line besides failing to get consent of the landowners.
“The farmers oppose the project tooth and nail. The department is digging only two feet below which is very dangerous. The farmers fear they will get electrocuted,” Marques said.
He said the villagers have unanimously resolved not to allow the power line through their fields.
The plan of the electricity department was to take the 33KV electrical transmission line from Mapusa to the Nagao sub-station.
Earlier, Parra farmers also opposed the plan to take the power line through their fields. The Parra farmers had also approached the High Court which had referred the matter back to the collector.
