Power dept to take up infra works worth over Rs.4,000 cr

In a bid to overhaul its infrastructure, the Goa state electricity department has proposed to take up works worth Rs.4,223.95 crore over a period of three financial years from 2016 to 2019. The electricity department“s business plan for the three years has been approved by the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) for the state of Goa and Union territories. However, the retail tariff proposal for the year 2016-17 is expected to be submitted by the department in the month of February. For the benefit of the Scheduled Tribe population, the power department has proposed a scheme for execution of works costing Rs.263.58 crore. Works in the areas predominantly inhabited by the tribal population will be carried out under this scheme. Conversion of overhead high tension network to underground cabling in Loutolim constituency, conversion of overhead low tension network to underground cabling in Raia, Nuvem, Verna, etc will also be completed. Similarly, the conversion of the high tension network in Canacona constituency will be taken up for execution and completed. The plan for the three years lays thrust on infrastructure development with Rs.705 crore allocated for the purpose. could be rich in minerals such as gold, iron, tin and tungsten.