Sarthak Kanjilal
Port Blair, Apr 02: For a change, here is some good news for Islanders. The Electricity Department is working day and night to end the power crisis of South Andaman region before this Easter (Sunday). Though the efforts to end power crisis, suffered a massive set back as some units of new DG sets of ‘New Bharat’ did not reach at Port Blair on time but still the Electricity Department is hopeful to press all new five (out of six, One spare) DG sets of ‘New Bharat’ in service before Easter.
These five DG sets will supply power of nearly 5 MW equal to the power of the DG-1 of SPCL, which broke down nearly three weeks back and caused the power crisis.
Talking to Andaman Sheekha the Superintending Engineer of Electricity Department (i/c) Er. R P Singh today said that the Administration has planned things in such a way that in future there would probably be no load shedding in South Andaman region as always there will be spare DG sets available of 15 MW power.
“Our Lt. Governor, Chief Secretary and Principal Secretary (Power) are very positive and they have been working even on Saturdays and Sundays to end this power crisis. The tender documents for another 10 MW DG set, is almost ready and the 5 MW DG sets will be installed within few days at Phoenix Bay Power house,” he said.
However, bad news is coming out from the Suryachakra Power plant. Talking to Andaman Sheekha the Biji George, Deputy General Manager said that the DG-1, which broke down nearly three weeks back, is still not repaired due to lack of funds. “We have not received any fund from Administration so we are unable to carryout repair works. We are expecting Rs. 5 crore,”
The DGM added that on 11 April 2011, a high level meeting will be held, in which it would be decided whether Administration will give Rs. 5 Crore to SPCL.
Hopefully this time the Administration will be able to meet the undeclared deadline of ending power crisis before Easter and bring relief for Islanders.
