Administrator of Lakshadweep, Daman and Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Praful Patel, met with Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh to express gratitude for various initiatives that have significantly benefited the Union Territories. One such initiative is the world’s first Low Temperature Thermal Desalination (LTTD) plant, which has provided much-needed relief by supplying clean drinking water.
During the meeting, Patel thanked Dr. Jitendra Singh for the LTTD plant, installed by the National Institute of Ocean Technology, Chennai, under the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences. The plant is part of a larger project that includes a total of nine desalination plants, with seven currently operational and one more set to begin operations soon. Each LTTD unit has the capacity to produce around 1 lakh liters of potable water per day, with plans to increase this capacity to 1.5 lakh liters per day in the future.
Dr. Jitendra Singh explained that LTTD technology leverages the natural temperature differences in the ocean, evaporating surface water at low pressure and condensing the vapor using cold deep-sea water. This indigenous, environmentally friendly, and easy-to-operate technology has been a game-changer for the region. He also acknowledged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the union government for approving the construction of two new airports in Lakshadweep.
“These airports will be a boon for eco-tourism and development in Lakshadweep,” said Dr. Singh. He emphasized the significant progress made in the Union Territory since 2014, including reforms in education, healthcare, and local governance.
Dr. Singh informed Patel that two re-mineralization plants have been made operational to add essential minerals removed during the desalination process. Similar facilities will be extended to other desalination units over time. He shared that a study by SRM Institute indicated a 90% reduction in water-borne diseases following the installation of the Kavaratti desalination plant, underscoring the health benefits of access to clean drinking water.
Highlighting the Prime Minister’s vision for Lakshadweep, Dr. Singh said, “In the coming years, Lakshadweep will become a major hub for both domestic and international tourists, generating employment and boosting the economy.” He assured Patel that various ministries under his leadership are working together to bring more development projects to the region.
The meeting concluded with discussions on various ongoing developmental activities and future projects aimed at enhancing the infrastructure and overall growth of the Union Territories.
