Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 12 January 2024
Swaraj Dweep, a renowned tourist destination, had been grappling with a severe power crisis, leaving both residents and visitors in the dark. In response to this pressing issue, authorities have implemented a series of measures to alleviate the power shortage and ensure a stable supply for the island.
One significant step taken was the relocation of a 1500 KVA DG set from the Sita Nagar Power House to Swaraj Dweep. This move aimed to address the power shortage of 2 MW caused by the sudden breakdown of two DG sets (2×0.808KW). The newly installed DG set commenced power generation of approximately 1 MW on December 20, 2023. To further bolster the power infrastructure, the engines of the two malfunctioning DG sets have been transported to Port Blair and are scheduled to be installed at the Swaraj Dweep power house by mid-January 2024, contributing an additional 1.2 MW to meet the current peak demand.
In anticipation of a potential rise in peak demand and to ensure redundancy in the power supply system, plans are in motion to add 2 MW through hiring. This proposal is currently under finalisation and is expected to provide an extra 2 MW of power by June 2024, pending approval of the agreement by the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC).
Additionally, concerted efforts have been directed towards enhancing power supply hours in two tribal settlements. The tribal settlements at Dugong Creek in Little Andaman and Strait Island in South Andaman are benefitting from an augmentation in installed capacity, aimed at extending power supply from 12 to 24 hours. This initiative reflects a commitment to improving the quality of life for residents in these areas.