NAVI MUMBAI: Gharapuri Island , a Unesco world heritage site known for the famous Elephanta Caves , has been plunged into darkness for almost a month now. The island, barely 10km from the Mumbai coast, has never received electricity since Independence and is now grappling with the breakdown of one its two generators.

The island's three villages depend on the twin generators, which supply power for three hours every evening. The generators are provided by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC). Villagers said the higher-capacity generator has gone defunct and MTDC is yet to repair it despite repeated requests. Last week, aggrieved villagers led by Gharapuri sarpanch Baliram Thakur met senior MTDC officials. MTDC managing director Vijay Waghmare said, "Our officials have been instructed to attend to the problem. I will look into the matter."

The failure of the generator has plunged Rajbundar and Shetbundar villages into darkness since the last week of October. The other generator supplies power to the third village, Morabundar. "After protests, the authorities briefly diverted supply to Rajbundar and Shetbundar for couple of hours. However, it is insufficient. We desperately need restoration of power from the bigger generator," said Rajbundar resident Prashant Patil.

Of the around 1,200 people in the three villages, half live outside the island for education or employment. Many are studying in Uran and Navi Mumbai and stay in hostels or as paying guests since their villages still do not have a proper power supply . The two generators installed by MTDC are the lifeline of the residents here. After several demands from villagers, MSEDCL has finally started laying a special cable on the sea bed to supply electricity to the entire island.

