Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 18 May 2024
The persistent and distressing problem of frequent power cuts continues to afflict the residents of Port Blair and its outskirts, leaving the populace exasperated and questioning the competence of the authorities. For years, the inhabitants of South Andaman District have grappled with this issue, significantly disrupting daily life and economic activities across the region.
The impact of these power cuts reverberates throughout the community, with businesses bearing the brunt of additional expenses on fuel and generator maintenance, further straining their already tight budgets. Despite numerous assurances from the Electricity Department responsible for power generation and distribution in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the situation has only deteriorated over time, leaving residents disillusioned and frustrated.
Unscheduled power outages have become the norm, robbing citizens of valuable productive hours and undermining the reliability of basic amenities. Even backup solutions like inverters offer little respite as the erratic power supply prevents their batteries from recharging effectively.
With each passing year, the hopes for a permanent solution fade, and residents are left to ponder the reasons behind this enduring crisis. The lack of accountability and transparency from the Electricity Department only exacerbates the public’s skepticism, leaving them to question whether they are being subjected to deliberate neglect.
The failure to address this fundamental issue reflects poorly on the administration’s ability to fulfil its basic responsibilities. Despite sporadic protests and appeals by the political leaders, tangible action remains elusive, with promises of resolution consistently falling short of expectations.
It is imperative that the administration acknowledges the severity of the situation and commits to a concrete timeline for resolving the power crisis in Port Blair and its outskirts. The residents deserve assurance that their grievances are being taken seriously and that tangible steps are being taken to ensure reliable access to electricity, a basic necessity in the modern age. Anything less would be a disservice to the community and a failure of governance.