Seven decades after Independence, the world-famous Gharapuri Island or Elephanta Island that houses the Elephanta Caves, will get permanent power supply.
The Elephanta Island is designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site in Raigad district. It is a very popular tourist destination.
On Thursday, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who would be accompanied by Power Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule and Minister of State for Power Madan Yerawar, would commission the electrification in the group of villages at the island.
An official from the the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) said that this is the first time they have laid cables under the sea. The work of laying the 22KV power supply network, 20-25 meters below the sea, was undertaken in February 2017. Power would be supplied from MSEDCL's Nhava-Sheva power sub-station.
"It is for the first time the Elephanta Island would be getting permanent supply of power," officials of the department added.
The Elephanta Island or Gharapuri has three villages - Shetbandar, Morabandar and Rajbandar. The local population – around 1,200 is engaged in cultivating rice, fishing and boat repairing besides tourism-related income.
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