Portable Tap Water Reaches Remote Ullidera Village after several Decades of struggle

John Wilbert &Vikramaditya
Middle Andaman, Aug 18: In a remarkable achievement that has eluded realization for over seven decades, the Jal Jeevan Mission, the flagship program of the central government, has successfully brought the supply of portable tap water to the remote Ullidera village under Shyamkund Gram Panchayat in Middle Andaman.
The accomplishment of this feat has garnered immense appreciation for the officers of the Andaman Public Works Department (APWD) and the leadership of Pradhan Gram Panchayat Shyamkund. Their dedication and commitment have culminated in the fulfillment of a long-standing demand that had remained unresolved for years.
Ullidera village, established in 1954, initially comprised 17 families who settled in the remote enclave of Shyamkund, located approximately 2.8 kilometers away from other parts of Middle Andaman.
The villagers had, for years, endured the laborious task of procuring water from considerable distances. This arduous chore, primarily performed by the women of the region, entailed frequent trips to the village well to gather water for drinking, bathing, cooking, and household chores. The situation became even more challenging during the dry summer months when water scarcity was particularly acute.
With the recent introduction of tap water supply facilitated through APWD water connections, the lives of the Ullidera village residents have undergone a transformative change. This much-needed resource is now accessible directly within their homes, easing their daily routines and significantly improving their quality of life.
Expressing his heartfelt gratitude, Mr. Narayan Mandal, the Pradhan of Gram Panchayat Shyamkund, extended appreciation to the Lt. Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Chief Secretary of the A & N Administration, and all those involved in making this long-pending aspiration a reality.
Mr. Mandal underscored the persistent efforts made over the years to highlight the importance of tap water supply for Ullidera village. During various official visits by dignitaries such as the Chief Secretary and District Commissioner, the necessity of this amenity was consistently brought to the forefront.
The village, which once had 17 families, witnessed a gradual exodus over the years due to its remote location and the challenges of survival. Presently, the village is home to only five families. “However, the introduction of tap water supply has reinvigorated the spirit of the villagers. They now experience a newfound sense of ease and convenience, as they no longer need to undertake the demanding task of fetching water from afar,” Mr. Mandal added.