Vikramaditya
Mayabunder, June 1: Former Mayabunder Pramukh Mr. Abdul Siddique has expressed serious concern over the recurring power crisis in Mayabunder and urged the Andaman and Nicobar Administration to take immediate corrective measures to restore normal electricity supply in the region.
Speaking to Andaman Sheekha Daily, Mr. Siddique stated that he received numerous calls from residents of Mayabunder on May 29 regarding renewed power disruptions caused by a technical fault in the 1500 KVA genset at the Pani Ghat Power House. According to him, the malfunction led to a significant reduction in electricity supply, resulting in prolonged outages across the district headquarters and surrounding areas.
Mr. Siddique said that he immediately brought the matter to the attention of the Deputy Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner of North and Middle Andaman by sending a formal representation through message and email on May 29, requesting urgent intervention. He emphasized that the power crisis is not a new issue and has been affecting Mayabunder residents for several years.
The former Pramukh recalled that he had repeatedly raised the issue with the administration and the Electricity Department in the past. He also referred to a public protest held at Danapur Junction in September 2025 when the area reportedly remained without electricity for nearly 20 hours, forcing residents to take to the streets to highlight their grievances.
According to Mr. Siddique, the current situation has once again disrupted normal life. He claimed that residents have been facing power cuts lasting several hours during both daytime and nighttime since May 29. The disruptions have affected businesses, public services, and essential facilities. He expressed concern that hospitals are facing difficulties in operating medical equipment, banking services are being interrupted, and commercial establishments are suffering due to the unreliable power supply.
Highlighting the importance of Mayabunder as the district headquarters of North and Middle Andaman, Mr. Siddique stressed the need for a comprehensive backup plan to deal with power failures. He suggested that the administration should ensure alternative arrangements are available so that electricity supply can be restored immediately whenever a major breakdown occurs.
He further pointed out that in earlier years, electricity was occasionally supplied from the Kalpong Hydroelectric Project in Diglipur during emergency situations. He urged the Electricity Department to explore similar options and, if necessary, arrange temporary power supply from Diglipur or Rangat until the faulty genset at Pani Ghat Power House is repaired.
Mr. Siddique appealed to the Administration, the Secretary (Power), the Deputy Commissioner, and the Electricity Department to act without delay and address the concerns of the public. He also called upon local residents and elected representatives to unite and engage with the authorities to ensure that the issue receives the attention it deserves.
Warning that public frustration is mounting, he said timely intervention would help prevent further inconvenience and restore confidence among residents affected by the ongoing power crisis.
