SHOCKER: Facade lights used toilluminate Atal Setu cables stolen

Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: In a shocking development, the Panaji Police today on Thursday registered an FIR against an unknown person for committing the theft of two facade lights installed on the Atal Setu bridge.
The approximate cost of the facade lights is Rs 6.25 lakhs.
As per information, two façade lights of make “Neri” were stolen, having light fixtures No.09 & 10 between pier no.32 and 33, which are used to illuminate the Atal Setu bridge cables.
The police complaint was filed by Sandip K, Prabhu Chodnekar, General Manager (Civil) GSIDC Ltd.
“Two façade lights of make “Neri” which is used for illuminating the cables of Atal Setu bridge have been stolen. The worth is Rs. 6.25 lakh,” said Chodnekar.
As per the information, the costs of all the electrical works of the new bridge, including the poles, fittings, facade lights and decorative lights, were supposed to have been undertaken by the GSIDC according to the contract of the new bridge, which was signed in 2014.
However, the electrical works were not tendered at that time due to constant technological changes.
Later, in subsequent “review meetings” headed by Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, it was decided that the GSIDC would not buy the necessary fittings, but the same would be bought by Larsen and Toubro (L&T), the contractors for the bridge.
The government allowed L&T to buy the fixtures without the following protocol.