Sri Vijaya Puram, May 01: Persistent power shortages in Diglipur, North and Middle Andaman, have prompted Gram Panchayat Sitanagar to seek urgent intervention from the Electricity Department for procurement and installation of a high-capacity diesel generator set at the Diglipur Power House.
Pradhan of Gram Panchayat Sitanagar, Biplab Mondal, has formally urged the Superintending Engineer of the Electricity Department, A&N Administration, Sri Vijaya Puram, to expedite the long-pending proposal for strengthening local power generation capacity. The appeal follows repeated representations made since June 2023 regarding the need for additional electricity infrastructure in the region.
In his communication dated April 28, Mondal referred to earlier correspondence submitted in June 2023 and December 2023, as well as subsequent letters in April 2024, requesting action on proposals that included installation of a 3 MW generator, later revised to a 5 MW capacity DG set along with supporting electrical infrastructure for the Diglipur Power House.
The Panchayat has highlighted that Diglipur continues to face significant power shortages, particularly during the dry season between February and July. The situation, officials noted, is linked to reduced water levels at the Kalpong Hydro Electric Project, which affects overall electricity generation capacity in the region.
According to the representation, residents are experiencing frequent power cuts and low voltage conditions, disrupting daily life and affecting household activities. The instability in supply has also been reported to cause damage to electronic appliances, adding to the hardship faced by local communities.
Despite multiple submissions over the past two years, the Panchayat has stated that the proposed generator set and associated works have not yet been implemented. The delay, it said, continues to affect both social conditions and economic activity in Diglipur.
Mondal has sought a detailed update from the department on the status of previous proposals and requested immediate steps to initiate procurement and installation of the DG set at the Diglipur Power House. He has also asked for a clear timeline for completion of the project.
The Panchayat has described the matter as one of urgent public importance, stressing that timely action would provide relief to residents facing recurring electricity shortages.
Officials have been urged to address the issue on priority to improve power reliability in Diglipur and surrounding areas of North and Middle Andaman.
