Sahadev Dey
Diglipur, 21 April 2024
The residents of Diglipur are set to take a stand against the persistent power cuts afflicting their region. In response to the ongoing crisis, a protest is scheduled to be held outside the Sitanagar Power House in Diglipur on April 22nd, 2024, commencing at 10:00 AM.
The decision to protest comes in the wake of escalating frustration among locals due to the prolonged and frequent power outages experienced in the area. Reports from the Nicobar Times on April 16th, 2024, highlighted the struggles faced by the community as a result of the power shortages.
The origins of the crisis can be traced back to a decision made in December 2023, when Swaraj Dweep, a prominent tourist destination in the archipelago, grappled with a severe power deficit. In an attempt to mitigate the situation on Swaraj Dweep, the Electricity Department opted to temporarily relocate a 1500 KVA DG Set from Diglipur to Swaraj Dweep.
However, this move sparked controversy and protests in Diglipur in December 2023. After assurances from the Electricity Department that the DG Set would be returned to Diglipur by the first week of February 2024, the protesting public and representatives reluctantly agreed.
Initially, it was anticipated that the region’s power needs would be sustained by the Hydroelectric Project powered by the Kalpong River until March 2024, and the DG Set would be reinstated in Diglipur within the stipulated timeframe. However, the DG Set has not yet made its way back to Diglipur as promised, which has further exacerbated the situation.
Now, in a bid to address the ongoing power crisis, the residents of Diglipur are demanding immediate action. Their primary demand is the swift transportation of the DG Set back to Diglipur from Swaraj Dweep to alleviate the power shortages plaguing the region.
The protest on April 22nd is expected to draw significant participation from the local community as they seek to voice their concerns and compel authorities to take decisive action to resolve the power crisis in Diglipur.