PANAJI: After some citizens suffered a blackout for days together following Cyclone Tauktae, power minister Nilesh Cabral said power disruptions are likely to be fewer with the first rains. “Trees that were supposed to fall have fallen,” he told reporters on Wednesday. “Seventy percent have fallen so it (power disruption) will be less,” he said, adding that the situation will depend on the quantum of rain fall. “I’m not saying we are 100 percent prepared. We are prepared to work 24 hours.” The solution, he said, is underground cabling, adding that this would cost between Rs 2,500-3,000 crore for the entire state. When asked whether he would prioritise cities for underground cabling, he said the government would prioritise lines which are very old or along the coast prone where salinity is high or areas where lines are passing through dense forests. “We are capable of getting it done in 7-8 months if the CM permits me, with full force, in prioritised areas,” he said.
‘Following Cyclone Tauktae, fewer power cuts Anticipated with Initial rain’
