PANAJI: Power shortage is a major impediment for development and growth of Goa’s economy, stated Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (GCCI) infrastructure committee as it justified the need for the 400KV Tamnar power transmission project.
However, it says the government should have in place a policy for taking care of green vegetation so that the environmental damage is minimised.
Pointing out that Goa would need 1,164 MW of power by 2037, GCCI also suggested that the Goa government could minimise the environmental damage and explore other options to connect Goa to the national power grid through Karnataka.
“The present demand of Goa 626 MW in 2020, is expected to grow to 1,164 MW by year 2037. This double connection to the national grid will insulate Goa from shortages,” said member of GCCI’s basic infrastructure committee Maria Durairaj.
While supporting the Tamnar project, Durairaj was critical of Goa electricity department’s environmental track record, particularly the lack of a vegetation management plan.
“The electricity department has no policy in place for management of vegetation under and alongside transmission lines. The only policy is to cut anything and everything in the vicinity. Such non-scientific approach brings wrath in people,” said Durairaj, who also worked with the department in the past.
Durairaj, the former chief electrical engineer of the Reliance Salgaocar Energy plant, said that a proper vegetation management policy will give confidence to the public.
“Utilities abroad allow growing of 3 metre in the centre and 6 meter tall trees near the tower. For example cashew plants can be grown near the tower. A proper vegetation management policy will give confidence to the public,” he said.
GCCI has suggested that the existing 110KV line from Hubbali to Ponda, which was laid through Anmod Ghats in 1965 could be upgraded to accommodate the 400KV line. After the 220KV line from Hubli connecting Xeldem was commissioned, the Hubbali-Ponda line is still not being used and this transmission corridor can be gainfully used with least widening to accommodate the proposed 400KV line,” said Durairaj.
In order to reduce public opposition in the future, GCCI has urged the government to form a power advisory committee so that the public can be taken into confidence while implementing power projects.
