Union Minister for Earth Sciences and Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh visited the Low Temperature Thermal Desalination plant at Kavaratti in Lakshadweep and reviewed the functioning of facilities that provide drinking water to several islands. The visit formed part of an official tour and included a review meeting with officials and scientists. The programme has been implemented by the National Institute of Ocean Technology, an autonomous institute under the ministry.

Officials said desalination plants based on LTTD technology are currently operational across eight islands including Kavaratti, Minicoy, Agatti, Amini, Kalpeni, Kadamat, Chetlat and Kiltan. The technology converts seawater into potable water by utilising the temperature difference between warm surface water and cold deep-sea water drawn from depths of around 350 to 400 metres. The approach produces water without relying on chemical additives or high-pressure membranes.

During the review the minister was briefed on the role of the plants in addressing freshwater shortages in the territory, which stem from limited groundwater resources, salinity intrusion and heavy dependence on seasonal rainfall. Officials reported that the facilities have improved access to drinking water across the islands and contributed to a decline in water-borne diseases. Local authorities noted greater reliability in year-round supply and reduced dependence on rainwater harvesting.

Scientists explained that under the LTTD system warm seawater is flash-evaporated under low pressure and the resulting vapour is condensed using cold seawater from the deep ocean, producing potable water without chemical additives. The process also avoids the discharge of concentrated brine that can affect fragile coral ecosystems. Deploying deep-sea pipelines and operating systems in challenging seabed and monsoon conditions required specialised engineering capabilities.

The first LTTD plant in Lakshadweep was commissioned in Kavaratti in 2005 and similar facilities were established on other islands over subsequent years. The plants are operated with the support of trained local personnel under the Lakshadweep administration. Officials and scientists indicated that the experience gained could inform the use of similar ocean-based technologies in other island and coastal regions facing water stress.