New Delhi: Administrator of Lakshadweep, Daman Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Praful Patel, met with Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh today to express gratitude for transformative initiatives aimed at enhancing infrastructure and livelihoods in Lakshadweep.
Chief among the accolades was the installation of the world’s first Low Temperature Thermal Desalination (LTTD) plant by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), Chennai, under the auspices of the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences. Patel lauded the LTTD plant for its pioneering technology that leverages natural temperature differences in oceans to produce clean drinking water. Currently, seven out of nine approved desalination plants are operational, with one more slated to begin operations shortly. Each LTTD unit boasts a capacity of approximately 100,000 litres of potable water per day, set to increase to 150,000 litres per day in the near future.
The LTTD technology, environmentally friendly and indigenous, harnesses oceanic temperature differentials to evaporate surface water at low pressure and condense it using deep-sea cold water sourced from depths of about 400 meters. Patel credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union government for their support in approving infrastructure projects, including the establishment of two airports, which he believes will bolster eco-tourism and regional development in Lakshadweep.
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh echoed Patel’s sentiments on the developmental strides made in Lakshadweep since 2014, emphasizing reforms in education, healthcare, and local governance sectors. Dr. Singh informed Patel about the imminent operationalization of two re-mineralization plants associated with the desalination units, aimed at restoring essential salts removed during the water purification process.
Highlighting the health benefits brought by the Kavaratti desalination plant, Dr. Jitendra Singh cited a study by doctors from the SRM Institute showing a remarkable 90% reduction in waterborne diseases following the plant’s installation—from 200 cases to just 8. He expressed confidence that such indigenous technological innovations will accelerate regional development, boost tourism, and improve living standards across Lakshadweep.
Dr. Jitendra Singh reaffirmed Prime Minister Modi’s vision to position Lakshadweep as a premier domestic and international tourist destination, fostering economic growth and employment opportunities. He assured Patel of continued synergy among various ministries under his purview to further enhance developmental projects in the Union Territory.