Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, Shri Manohar Lal, conducted a comprehensive review of the power and urban development sector of the Union Territory of Lakshadweep during his visit to Kavaratti. The meeting, attended by the Honorable Administrator of Lakshadweep, Shri Praful Patel, senior officials from the UT administration, Government of India representatives, and officials from the Power Finance Corporation (PFC), addressed key challenges and future strategies for improving power infrastructure in the islands.
Key Focus Areas
- Reduction in Diesel Dependency:
Shri Manohar Lal emphasized the urgent need to reduce reliance on diesel-based power generation by significantly increasing the share of renewable energy sources like solar and wind. He proposed integrating these sources with battery energy storage systems to ensure grid stability and cost efficiency. - Renewable Energy Projects:
Discussions included updates on ground-mounted solar projects and the proposal for a floating solar power plant. The Minister encouraged exploring alternative energy generation technologies to enhance sustainability. - Inter-Island Connectivity:
Administrator Shri Praful Patel highlighted the necessity of interconnecting the islands with submarine cables to ensure a consistent and quality power supply. He requested approval for the project, promising a detailed proposal soon. - Modernization of Transmission and Distribution:
Shri Patel also sought support for modernizing the UT’s transmission and distribution systems under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS). - Electric Vehicle (EV) Integration:
The Union Minister advocated for the adoption of electric vehicles in Lakshadweep and the establishment of solar-powered EV charging stations. He also suggested exploring the feasibility of solar-powered systems for diesel-run boats. - Greening Initiatives:
Shri Manohar Lal proposed focusing on greening specific islands like Agatti-Bangaram, Minicoy, and Kadmat as pilot projects, with the Ministry’s full support for these efforts.
Minister’s Remarks
The Minister noted that the high cost of electricity generation in Lakshadweep necessitates a transition to renewable energy. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting Lakshadweep in adopting green and sustainable solutions.
Shri Manohar Lal highlighted that his visit would help identify new initiatives and resolve existing challenges, thereby improving services for the people of Lakshadweep. He emphasized the importance of integrating renewable energy, modernizing infrastructure, and fostering sustainable practices to ensure the UT’s holistic development.
Administrator’s Address
Shri Praful Patel expressed gratitude to the Union Minister for his visit and for addressing the UT’s concerns. He reiterated Lakshadweep’s commitment to improving the power sector and aligning with national goals for renewable energy and sustainability.
