Lighthouse provided earlier on the island Kalpeni is the island nearest to Cochin. It takes only overnight sailing from Cochin to reach. Kalpeni. There is a regular passenger vessel service from Cochin. The inter island vessels also call on the island. In addition the machine sailing vessels belonging to islanders ply between Beypore and Kalpeni.
The tall coconut palms and shape of islands used to serve as identification marks for the islands. However with the increase in sea traffic and fishing activities, necessity to provide a powerful lighthouse at Kalpeni was felt. As such this Lighthouse project was planned during the early 1970’s. The 37m high tower was constructed with heavy CC Blocks. The lighthouse tower was completed in 1976 and then the Revolving optic, Lantern house and PV equipments were installed. The entire equipment component was supplied by M/s. J. Stone, India, Calcutta. The light was commissioned on 21stNov 1976.
The change over from PV to electrically operated light was taken up in 1995. The PV Burner and mantel was replaced by 230V 1000W incandescent lamp. The entire work of the change over was carried out by the joint Installation team from Jamnagar and Cochin. All the items including power generating set were transported direct from Okha to Kalpeni island by MV Sagardeep. The electric light was commissioned into service on 10th February 1995.
The incandescent lamp was replaced by 230V 400W metal halide lamp on 31st October 1999. |
