Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 06 December 2023
The persistent and disruptive power outages plaguing Swaraj Dweep have prompted a call for urgent action from Mr. TSG Bhasker, Chairman of the ANTCC Campaign Committee. In a letter addressed to the Chief Secretary of the Andaman & Nicobar Administration, Mr. Bhasker raised concerns over the detrimental impact of frequent and prolonged power cuts on both the general public and the local hoteliers.
Describing the situation as a daily ordeal, Mr. Bhasker emphasised that the irregular power cuts, lasting for hours, have significantly inconvenienced residents and businesses alike. He highlighted the adverse effects on daily work routines and the substantial maintenance costs incurred by hoteliers due to the strain on generators caused by these outages.
“The operational challenges stemming from disrupted power supply are severely impacting the hospitality sector, hindering the seamless service provision expected by guests,” Mr. Bhasker asserted, emphasizing the potential negative implications for Swaraj Dweep’s status as a premier tourist destination within the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. He noted instances of guests feeling uneasy, particularly when using elevators owing to sudden power outages, which have contributed to a compromised tourism experience.
While acknowledging that many hotels and resorts have their generators for emergency use, Mr. Bhasker stressed that the current situation of persistent 6 to 10-hour power cuts exceeds the capacity of these backup systems. This has led to a surge in customer complaints, booking cancellations, and escalated operational expenses.
Seeking immediate intervention, Mr. Bhasker urged the Chief Secretary to expedite measures for rectification and fast-track the execution of power agreements. He advocated for collaboration with private providers to address the shortfall in electricity supply, with the aim of ensuring uninterrupted power for the residents and businesses on the islands.