Mumbai: 70 years after independence, electricity reaches Elephanta caves

Electricity connection was made accessible to Elephanta Island after 70 years of Independence, a 7.5 km long undersea cable brought electricity to three villages Raj Bander, Mora Bander & Shet Bander, ANI reported.

Elephanta island, which is just 10 kms off Mumbai and a world heritage sight, declared by UNESCO in 1987 finally received electricity on February 22.

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis had arrived to inaugurate the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (MSEDCL) power supply.

More than 1 million tourists visit Elephanta Islands each year. The island is known for it's awe-inspiring beauty.

However, the inhabitants of the area have a completely different story to share. The island has a very poor infrastructure. The locals are deprived of basic medical facilities, clean drinking water, and power supply.

The monsoons are said to multiply the problems of the inhabitants of the island manifold. All the activities are put on hold due o heavy rainfall and the tourist flow witnesses a complete dip.

The residents did not have electricity ever since their power lines were torn down after 1947.

According to reports, funds were allocated by the former Chief Minister Sharad Pawar for the project but nothing was executed.

The electricity which came as a sigh of relief to the inhabitants was celebrated by the locals who were in a festive mood after the inauguration.

The 7.5 km undersea cables will now supply power 24x7 to the island.

For almost thirty years, the Island received power through generators.

MSEDCL began working on the project in 2015 and it is said that the undersea cables which were laid with the help of technology can withstand underwater pressure.

The locals had been complaining since a long time since the insufficient power supply directly effected their livelihood.

The cable project, which cost the state Rs 18.5 crore, came as a major relief to three villages Rajbundar, Morabundar and Shetbundar.

Elephanta islands receives electricity after 70 years.

The new transformers were inaugurated by social activist Dr Appasaheb Dharmadhikari in the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Power Minister Chandrashekhar Bavankule on Thursday.

Electricity connection made accessible to Elephanta Island after 70 years of Independence; a 7.5 km long undersea cable brought electricity to three villages- Raj Bander, Mora Bander & Shet Bander #Maharashtra pic.twitter.com/95SfooC7PD

ANI (@ANI) February 23, 2018

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