Ganesh & John Wilbert
Port Blair, Nov 24: Villagers of entire Baratang region of Middle Andaman have been facing worst ever power scenario since last few weeks due to low voltage being supplied to them by the Electricity department, which has made electronic gadgets in their homes redundant.
Many villagers have alleged that due to low voltage, electronic appliances in their houses, like TV, Fridge, Water Pump etc. have got completely damaged.
When enquired it is learnt that the power house of Baratang Island, which used to operate from 5.00 PM to 10 PM is not supplying power to the region since last several week and hence for power, entire Baratang Island is now dependent on Rangat Power House. Earlier, Baratang region use to get power from Rangat Power House only from 10.00 PM to next day 5.00 PM.
Now the problem is that the Indian Oil Cooperation is not supplying HSD fuel to the Baratang Power House, which is situated in a Reserve Forest area. This is done since the fuel trucks are connected through Geo-location mapping system, which does not allow fuel trucks to supply fuel in areas, which are not mentioned in map of IOC.
Moreover, the Electricity Department legally can’t bring HSD fuel drums from Rangat or any other place in a truck. This is why the power house of Baratang is now inoperative and for power, the Baratang region is solely dependent on Rangat Power house.
Villagers allege that the due to lack of planning and mistakes from the side of Electricity Department such problems are being faced by people of Baratang Region while the officials of Electricity Department say that the Indian Oil Cooperation must do something to provide HSD to the Baratang power House.
Sadly in this tussle between Administration, IOC and Electricity Department, the people of Baratang region are suffering heavily.
Talking to Andaman Sheekha Daily, the former Zilla Parishad Member of Baratang and ex-Upadhyaksh of N & M Andaman ZP, Mr R Alager Swami said that if this problem is not resolved, people of Baratang region are ready to stage a major protest.
