KAVARATTI, LAKSHADWEEP: Union Minister for Earth Sciences and Science & Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh visited key ocean technology facilities in Lakshadweep and reviewed the progress of desalination and renewable energy projects aimed at strengthening drinking water availability and sustainable power generation in the island territory.
During his visit to Kavaratti, the Minister inspected the Low Temperature Thermal Desalination (LTTD) plant and the upcoming Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) project, both implemented by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), an autonomous institute under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
Desalination plants improving water availability
Officials informed the Minister that LTTD-based desalination plants are currently operational across eight islands of Lakshadweep, including Kavaratti, Minicoy, Agatti, Amini, Kalpeni, Kadamat, Chetlat and Kiltan.
The LTTD technology converts seawater into potable water by utilising the temperature difference between warm surface seawater and cold deep-sea water drawn from depths of about 350–400 metres. Under the system, warm seawater is flash-evaporated under low pressure and the vapour is condensed using cold seawater, producing drinking water without the use of chemical additives or high-pressure membranes.
Officials said the process also avoids the discharge of concentrated brine, which could otherwise harm fragile coral ecosystems in the region.
The first LTTD plant in Lakshadweep was commissioned in Kavaratti in 2005, after which similar facilities were gradually expanded to other islands. The desalination units have significantly improved access to safe drinking water in the islands, where freshwater resources are limited due to saline groundwater and dependence on seasonal rainfall.
Local authorities reported that the availability of desalinated water has reduced reliance on rainwater harvesting and helped lower the incidence of water-borne diseases.
Residents share experiences
During his visit, the Minister also interacted with local residents who shared how the desalination plants have transformed daily life.
Abdul Rehman, a resident of Kavaratti, said people earlier depended on small wells that often yielded salty water. “Earlier we used to drink salty well water, but now everyone in our area uses desalinated water for drinking,” he told the Minister.
Another resident, Valiya B, said fetching water from wells used to be a daily routine. “Earlier we had to carry water from wells several times a day. Now clean water is available at our doorstep,” he said.
Officials noted that trained local personnel under the Lakshadweep administration are involved in operating and maintaining the plants.
Review of OTEC-based desalination project
Apart from the existing LTTD facilities, the Minister also reviewed progress of India’s first Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC)-based desalination plant being developed in Kavaratti.
The project is designed to generate electricity while simultaneously producing drinking water by using the temperature difference between warm surface seawater and cold deep-sea water.
Dr Singh examined key components of the facility, including the seawater intake system, deep-sea cold-water pipeline, turbine-generator unit and desalination modules. Scientists and engineers briefed him on construction timelines, environmental safeguards and technical challenges.
Officials said the project includes a nearly 3.8 km-long high-density polyethylene pipeline that will draw cold seawater from depths of more than 1,000 metres. Around 250 metres of the pipeline has already been assembled as welding work continues along the southern side of the Kavaratti lagoon.
Once commissioned, the plant is expected to produce about 100 cubic metres of potable water per day while generating electricity to power desalination operations.
Addressing island challenges
Officials said infrastructure development in Lakshadweep poses unique engineering challenges due to coral seabeds, rocky formations and limited working windows during monsoon months.
However, the OTEC-based system is expected to function as a continuous renewable energy source, unlike solar and wind power that depend on weather conditions. The project could reduce reliance on diesel-powered desalination units, lower fuel transportation costs and cut emissions in the island territory.
During the review meeting with NIOT scientists, Dr Singh emphasised the importance of advancing indigenous ocean technologies to address water and energy challenges faced by island and coastal regions.
Boost to Blue Economy initiatives
The Minister said the experience gained from desalination projects in Lakshadweep could guide the deployment of similar ocean-based technologies in other water-stressed coastal and island regions.
Officials said the initiatives form part of broader efforts under India’s Blue Economy strategy and the government’s Deep Ocean Mission to promote sustainable use of ocean resources while strengthening climate resilience, energy security and water availability in island territories.
Once fully operational, the combined LTTD and OTEC systems are expected to play a crucial role in ensuring reliable drinking water and exploring clean energy opportunities for the people of Lakshadweep.
