Underground power cable in Rameswaram

RAMANATHAPURAM: In a bid to ensure uninterrupted power supply to Rameswaram Island, the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB) has decided to launch an underground cable system in the area.The island attracts devotees from across the country as it has a prominent place in the Ramayana.  According to the ancient Sanskrit epic, Lord Rama had visited Rameswaram to get his wife Goddess Sita back from the clutches of Ravana, the demon king of Lanka. Hindu devotees throng this island in belief that they would be redeemed from their sins once they make it to the island. Hence, uninterrupted power supply is key to the area.  At present, the power supply is erratic with two to three-hour cuts reported on a daily basis.  This has badly affected the ice bar production in the area, besides causing hardship to the islanders. Ice bars play a crucial role in the fishing industry.The Tamil Nadu Electricity Board feels that the  underground cable system  would provide a solution to the power problem. Two years ago, the underground cable was laid up to Pamban from the TNEB sub-station in Mandapam.  However, the work stopped there. Now, the TNEB has decided to restart the work and extend it to Rameswaram.Tamil Nadu Electricity Board Superintending Engineer Yathindran told Express that a proposal would be sent to government to lay the cable from Pamban.