Lamgao villagers angry over trench digging for electricity cables through farm land

Bicholim: Lamgao villagers have expressed anger over the digging of a trench through a farm land instead of along a road, fearing that it may be intended for laying 33kV underground electricity cables. They have raised concerns that the presence of groundwater in the trench during the dry season could pose a risk to humans and animals if such a project is undertaken.The Bicholim subdivision electricity department has begun digging the trench through survey numbers 102, 104 and 105 of Bicholim and survey numbers 40 and 41 of Lamgao village. However, villagers said that they have been kept in the dark about the purpose of the work.Lamgao-based social activist Sachin Mayekar, in a letter dated June 5 addressed to the electricity department’s public information officer, sought details and the purpose of the project. Locals have also asked the authorities whether any such proposal has been approved for laying the underground cables and requested copies of the approved project proposal, administrative approval and technical sanction.Villagers have also urged the electricity department to address all the technical and safety concerns and ensure that proposed work does not endanger humans, animals or the surrounding environment.