Sri Vijaya Puram, October 30: Our Rights Organization, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, has written to the Lieutenant Governor, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, raising a grievance regarding frequent power cuts and requesting a high-level inquiry into the implementation and performance of solar power projects in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
In the letter dated yesterday, Mr. C. Saravanan, Chairman of the organisation, drew attention to the persistent problem of frequent power cuts and interruptions in the electricity supply across various areas of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
He stated that it is understood that the Electricity Department has undertaken various initiatives, including the installation and implementation of solar power plants and other energy-saving or power-support systems in several areas, with the objective of improving electricity availability and reducing frequent power interruptions.
However, despite the expenditure of substantial public funds, reportedly amounting to crores of rupees, the problem of frequent power cuts continues to cause considerable inconvenience to the general public. The expected improvement in the reliability and continuity of electricity supply does not appear to have been adequately achieved in several areas, he said.
This situation raises serious concerns regarding the planning, implementation, operational efficiency, maintenance and overall performance of these solar power projects. It is essential to ascertain whether the projects are functioning as intended, whether the public funds have been utilised properly, and whether the intended benefits are reaching the people of these islands, the letter said.
The organisation has requested the Lieutenant Governor to constitute a high-level inquiry committee comprising independent technical experts and competent administrative officers to examine the actual ground situation concerning the implementation and functioning of solar power projects across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands; to conduct a comprehensive technical and financial audit of the funds sanctioned, released and utilised for the installation, implementation and maintenance of these projects; and to assess the actual electricity generation and operational performance of each solar power plant and determine whether it is delivering the expected output in accordance with its installed capacity and approved objectives.
It has also sought an examination of the reasons for continued power cuts despite the implementation of these projects, including any technical failures, inadequate maintenance, delays, deficiencies in execution or other shortcomings; the fixing of responsibility wherever irregularities or negligence are established, and the initiation of appropriate administrative, financial or legal action against the persons or agencies concerned, in accordance with the applicable rules and law; and corrective measures and public accountability, so that the substantial public funds invested in these projects yield the intended benefits and the people of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands receive a reliable and uninterrupted electricity supply.
Stating that electricity is an essential public service and that the people of these islands deserve a dependable power supply, Mr. Saravanan said that the continued occurrence of frequent power cuts, despite substantial investment in alternative energy infrastructure, warrants an impartial examination of the matter in the larger public interest. He earnestly requested the Lieutenant Governor to intervene in the matter, order an independent and time-bound high-level inquiry, and take appropriate steps to ensure transparency, accountability and effective implementation of the concerned projects.
