Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 29 November 2023
Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma, Member of Parliament, representing Andaman and Nicobar Islands has fervently appealed to the Chief Secretary to swiftly address the persistent power crisis crippling Swaraj Dweep.
In a formal communication directed to the Chief Secretary of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, Sharma underscored the pressing issue plaguing Swaraj Dweep, emphasising the community’s struggle with frequent and extended power outages.
Highlighting the widespread ramifications of this power crisis, Sharma emphasised the adverse impact on tourism, a cornerstone of the region’s economy. He noted that the daily disruptions of 10 to 15 power cuts significantly mar the experience of tourists visiting Swaraj Dweep, tarnishing the island’s image as a prominent facet of the Andaman and Nicobar Tourism Industry. These recurrent outages have understandably left tourists exasperated, affecting their overall enjoyment and convenience.
Moreover, Sharma highlighted the financial strain on local businesses, particularly hotels, compelled to heavily rely on generators to compensate for the inadequate power supply. Citing substantial expenses ranging from 3 to 4 lakhs incurred monthly on diesel for generator usage, he emphasised the dire financial losses incurred by these establishments.
Expressing concern for small-scale entrepreneurs in the hospitality and service sectors, Sharma elucidated the burden of investing in power backup solutions, significantly draining their already limited resources.
“The pervasive impact on the general public cannot be understated, with mounting grievances over the inconvenience caused by the recurrent power failures,” he added.
Recognizing the pivotal role Swaraj Dweep plays in bolstering the Andaman and Nicobar Tourism Industry, the Member of Parliament implored the Chief Secretary to urgently intervene. Sharma advocated for the provision of an adequate number of DG sets to mitigate the ongoing power shortages, alleviating the hardships faced by residents, business owners, and tourists alike.