Ganesh & Nishar Mohammed
Baratang, 05 Nov: While Sri Vijaya Puram continues to face intermittent power curtailment, the situation in Baratang Island of Middle Andaman has become even more severe. Residents are reeling under prolonged and unannounced power outages lasting for several hours each day, leaving the entire region in frustration and darkness.
Locals complain that the erratic power supply has disrupted daily life, with serious impacts on businesses, education, and healthcare services. Evening hours have become especially difficult as students struggle to study without electricity and households remain in darkness for hours.
Speaking to Andaman Sheekha Daily, Zilla Parishad Member Mr. R. Alager Swami expressed deep concern over the deteriorating situation. “Baratang is facing an acute power crisis. The public is growing increasingly restless,” he said, urging the administration to provide a permanent solution to the problem.
Mr. Swami added that the crisis worsened after the hiring DG Set operator were shut down the DG Sets. “On October 31, around 2 PM, the private party managing the generator sets shut it down. Since then, the entire Baratang region has been dependent on supply from Kadamtala and Rangat, which itself is inconsistent,” he explained.
He further mentioned that even essential services are being affected. “In the government medical facility, even the X-ray machine isn’t functioning due to the power outage. Some days ago, residents went on strike, after which officials promised to provide a dedicated generator set for Baratang — but nothing has happened yet.”
Residents say the situation has reached a breaking point. “There is no power for hours, and when it comes, the voltage is extremely low. Many electronic appliances are getting damaged,” said a local shopkeeper.
The people of Baratang have now pinned their hopes on the administration to intervene urgently. Many have warned that if the problem persists, they may be forced to take to the streets in protest.
Locals are demanding supply and installation of a DG Set at Baratang Island to restore normalcy. For now, the islanders continue to live in uncertainty — waiting for the day when the lights stay on for good.
