SRI VIJAYA PURAM | OCTOBER 30, 2026 | DWEEP TULIKA | ANDAMAN NEWS
Our Rights Organization (ORO) has approached the Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, seeking an independent, time-bound high-level inquiry into the implementation, expenditure and performance of solar power projects across the islands, citing continued power cuts despite substantial public investment in alternative energy infrastructure.
In a representation dated October 29, 2026, ORO Chairman C. Saravanan highlighted persistent electricity interruptions in various areas and questioned whether solar power projects and other supporting systems were delivering the improvements in electricity availability for which they were introduced.
The organisation stated that substantial public funds, reportedly amounting to crores of rupees, had been spent on these initiatives. However, frequent power cuts continue to inconvenience residents, raising questions about project planning, implementation, operational efficiency and maintenance.
ORO Demands Independent Technical and Financial Audit
In its representation to the Lieutenant Governor, ORO has requested the constitution of a high-level inquiry committee comprising independent technical experts and competent administrative officers.
The organisation has sought a comprehensive technical and financial audit covering funds sanctioned, released and utilised for the installation, implementation and maintenance of solar power projects.
It has also called for an assessment of the actual electricity generation and operational performance of individual solar power plants to determine whether they are delivering the expected output in accordance with their installed capacity and approved objectives.
Questions Over Continued Power Interruptions
ORO has asked the authorities to examine why power cuts continue despite the implementation of solar energy projects.
The proposed inquiry, according to the representation, should investigate possible technical failures, inadequate maintenance, implementation delays, deficiencies in execution and other shortcomings that may be affecting project performance.
The organisation has further requested that responsibility be fixed wherever irregularities or negligence are established, followed by appropriate administrative, financial or legal action under applicable rules and law.
Copies Sent to Power and Vigilance Authorities
The representation was also forwarded to the Chief Secretary (Vigilance), Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Power), Secretary (Power) and Secretary (Vigilance) of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration for information and necessary action.
ORO has urged the Lieutenant Governor to intervene and order an impartial, time-bound inquiry, along with corrective measures to ensure transparency and accountability in the implementation of the projects.
Public Accountability and Reliable Electricity Supply
Describing electricity as an essential public service, ORO stated that residents of the islands deserve a dependable power supply and that public investment in alternative energy infrastructure should translate into measurable benefits.
The organisation's representation raises several questions that require clarification, including the installed capacity of the solar plants, their actual electricity generation, project-wise expenditure, maintenance arrangements and the reasons for continuing power interruptions.
The letter is a request for an inquiry and does not establish that financial irregularities, negligence or technical failures have occurred. The response of the Electricity Department and the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, along with project-wise performance records, will be important in assessing the concerns raised.
Source: Representation submitted by Our Rights Organization to the Lieutenant Governor, dated October 29, 2026.
— Dweep Tulika News Desk