Vikramaditya, Port Blair: Shaheed Dweep has been grappling with erratic and unscheduled power outages, leaving the locals in a state of considerable distress. The electricity crisis on the island has worsened over the last two months, with the situation deteriorating significantly in the past few days. Residents are experiencing severe disruptions, with electricity being supplied for merely an hour before being cut off for approximately four hours at a stretch. The power cuts occur without prior notice, and no timetable has been provided, leaving the public to cope with the uncertainty.
The sweltering heat of Shaheed Dweep, exacerbated by its sandy terrain, makes the power shortages even more unbearable. This relentless issue has compounded the misery of the islanders, as they struggle with the stifling conditions without relief from fans or air conditioning.
The tourism sector, a vital pillar of Shaheed Dweep’s economy, has taken a significant hit due to the ongoing power crisis. Hotel and small resort proprietors are being forced to operate generators for extended periods, incurring substantial financial losses in the process. Similarly, small business owners, including those running tea shops and restaurants, are facing the adverse impacts of the energy shortfall, contributing to an atmosphere of economic uncertainty.
Tourists, the lifeblood of the island’s thriving hospitality industry, are departing with a sense of dissatisfaction, having their experiences marred by the erratic power supply. The situation has cast a shadow on the island’s reputation as a serene getaway.
Talking to Andaman Sheekha Daily, Mr. Sudhamoy Roy a PRI member of Shaheed Dweep revealed the crux of the power issue: of the four Diesel Generator (DG) sets installed at the Shaheed Dweep power house, only one is operational. Furthermore, a new DG set that arrived nearly a month ago has not yet been installed. Attempts to reach the Junior Engineer of the Electricity Department for comments have been futile, as calls have gone unanswered. Shaheed Dweep residents hope that the newly appointed Superintendent Engineer of Electricity Department will look into this matter and bring some relief for the residents.
