Porvorim: Mormugao MLA Sankalp Amonkar, speaking during the Demands for Grants on the Power and New & Renewable Energy departments in the Goa Legislative Assembly, extended his thanks to Power Minister Sudin Dhavalikar for fulfilling his earlier request for a bucket-mounted crane for his constituency. Amonkar highlighted its importance in repairing fixtures, laying lines, and pruning trees.
He, however, raised several pressing issues. Amonkar pointed out a shortage of two station operators at the Bogda sub-station and urged for their immediate appointment. He also sought urgent action on laying a new 33KV power cable directly from Verna to Bogda sub-station to ensure a more reliable supply and provide a ring feed to Kadamba and Harbour sub-stations during emergencies.
The MLA pressed for an additional truck-mounted crane for Division XI, Vasco, citing delays in attending to complaints due to the unavailability of the current one. He further urged timely provision of raincoats, sandals, safety tool kits, and shoes to line staff before the onset of the monsoon.
Raising concerns over public inconvenience, Amonkar demanded the reopening of traditional pathways near the new electricity quarters at Bogda, which he said were vital for residents, especially the elderly and sick, during emergencies.
On renewable energy, Amonkar called for speedy execution of solar street lighting projects for traditional fishermen in Baina and Desterro, rooftop solar panels on government and institutional buildings, subsidies on electric vehicles, and the establishment of solar power plants in Goa to reduce dependence on other states. He expressed confidence that with the support of Union Minister Shripad Naik, Goa could achieve substantial progress in the power and renewable energy sector.
Amonkar also urged the expedited installation of smart meters to provide real-time consumption data, reduce billing errors, and eliminate manual readings.
