Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 20 May 2024
Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma, the Member of Parliament for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, has called for a permanent resolution to the ongoing power cuts plaguing the region. In a formal letter addressed to the Chief Secretary of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, Sharma highlighted the severe impact of frequent and extended power outages on daily life across the islands.
The MP emphasized that residents in nearly all parts of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are enduring multiple power cuts each day, with some outages lasting for several hours. These disruptions have made life particularly challenging, especially as temperatures have soared during the months of March, April, and May. The increased heat has exacerbated the discomfort experienced by the islanders, particularly affecting them during the summer vacation period.
Sharma also noted the significant strain these power cuts are placing on small business owners, who often lack the resources to invest in generators or inverters. The inability to maintain consistent operations is causing substantial hardship for these entrepreneurs, further underscoring the need for a swift and lasting solution.
In his letter, Sharma urged the Chief Secretary to prioritise the issue and implement a permanent fix to the recurring power crisis that the Andaman and Nicobar Islands face annually. He stressed that addressing this problem is crucial for improving the quality of life for residents and supporting the local economy.
The plea from the MP comes as the islands continue to grapple with infrastructure challenges that hinder reliable power supply, calling for immediate and strategic interventions from the administration.