Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 09 August 2023
In a fervent plea to address the escalating power crisis in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma, Member of Parliament representing the region, has brought the matter to the forefront of parliamentary discussions. With indiscriminate power cuts plaguing the islands, Sharma underscored the urgent need for a permanent solution to alleviate the distress of the local population.
Mr. Sharma’s impassioned appeal highlighted the gravity of the situation faced by the residents of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The region has been grappling with persistent power shortages that extend throughout the day, wreaking havoc on daily life and causing considerable inconvenience.
Pinpointing the causes behind these relentless power cuts, Sharma elucidated that faults within certain DG (diesel generator) sets and underground electric lines have contributed to the problem. Moreover, a dearth of power supply owing to under frequency and overload, compounded by technical issues within the transmission and distribution system, have further exacerbated the crisis.
Drawing attention to the impending surge in power demand, Mr. Sharma asserted that the growth in energy needs is set to intensify in the years ahead. This projection is largely attributed to the inauguration of a new airport terminal, projected to draw an influx of domestic and international tourists. The heightened tourism activity is expected to escalate power requirements, thereby intensifying the existing power crisis.
Against this backdrop, Mr. Sharma issued a resolute call to action, urging the government to implement measures that guarantee sufficient power supply, especially during the upcoming hot and humid seasons. Emphasising the need for a definitive resolution, he proposed the formulation of a comprehensive plan to address the dire circumstances.
As part of his proposal, Mr. Sharma implored the government to allocate an additional 15MW of DG capacity to the Andaman and Nicobar Administration. This strategic augmentation, he argued, would offer immediate relief to the islanders and pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient energy landscape.
The issue raised by Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma underscores the imperative for swift action in securing a stable power supply for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. As the government grapples with this pressing concern, the hopes of the local population remain firmly anchored in the implementation of a lasting solution that can dispel the specter of power shortages and restore normalcy to their lives.