John Wilbert & Vikramaditya
Port Blair, Apr 27: The villagers of Mithakhari, Ograbraj and Tushnabad Panchayats staged a chakka jam (roadblock) on the Orgrabraj Junction area of the NH4, this morning. The villagers alleged that they are facing a severe water crisis in their village, and water is supplied only once in seven days.
The villagers have already made many representations to the Chief Engineer APWD and Chief Secretary of Andaman and Nicobar administration demanding desilting of Sona Pahad Dam, completion of Ograbraj Bada Nallah project, Extension of Rutland project till Ograbraj, and other demands of the Panchayat before the administration, but no action has been taken.
Left with no choice, the villagers finally decided to stage a protest and chakka jam. Around 6:00 AM this morning, the villagers gathered at the Orgrabraj Junction under the leadership of Mohammad Safique, Pradhan of Mithakahri Panchayat, which was also supported by villagers, Pradhan of Tushnabad Panchayat, Namunaghar Panchayat and Zilla Parishad member of the region.
The Executive Magistrate of Ferrargunj Tehsil and the police team tried to convince the villagers, but they were not convinced. Later around 9:00 AM, Superintendent Engineer, Mr. Tej Bahadur and Executive Engineer Mr. Subharaj of APWD reached the spot and convinced the villagers.
Around 9:00 AM, the villagers opened the road for vehicle movement, after which a meeting was conducted in Ograbraj Community Hall, which was attended by officials of APWD, Political Leaders of the area, and villagers.
The officials of APWD assured the villagers to provide water supply once in five days and also assured that the department will plan and implement various water projects so that the situation will not be the same next year.
Mr. Anand Amrit Raj Pradhan of Tushnabad Gram Panchayat said that acute water scarcity has hit their village, and the APWD has supplied water once in seven days for the past one month. The villagers have contacted the administration and APWD many times, but no heed was paid to their suffering.
Further, Mohammad Safique, Pradhan of Mithakhari Panchayat told Andaman Sheekha Daily that later in the day, officials of APWD promised to provide water supply once in five days and assured to execute water projects for future planning. The villagers called off their protest around 10:00 AM, officially.
