Sri Vijaya Puram, Apr 20: As part of the pre-monsoon preparedness activities, the Andaman Public Works Department (APWD) has launched a month-long campaign across the A&N Islands to promote water quality monitoring and surveillance, water conservation, and rejuvenation of water bodies. The initiative aims to create mass awareness and encourage community participation involving school students, public representatives, and especially women stakeholders.
Phase 1: Water Quality Monitoring and Awareness
In the first phase of the campaign, water samples from various sources including village households, Anganwadis, community buildings, and public places will be collected and tested. The results will be uploaded on the WQIMIS portal of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM).
Field Testing Kits (FTKs) will be used by women representatives, Anganwadi Workers, ASHA Workers, and elderly women from the villages to promote awareness about water quality and empower them to monitor local water sources.
Additionally, Junior Engineers of APWD will conduct training sessions for school students to educate them on water quality. Visits to nearby water treatment plants and water supply infrastructures will also be organized to familiarize students with the treatment and supply processes.
Phase 2: Cleaning and Rejuvenation of Water Sources
The second phase will focus on cleaning, desilting, and minor repair works of all water sources to prepare them for the upcoming monsoon. PRI members have been requested to take up cleaning drives, particularly in water bodies such as Amrit Sarovars, falling under their jurisdiction.
Phase 3: PRI Orientation and Household Awareness
In the third phase, PRI members will visit water treatment plants under their jurisdiction to understand the processes of water purification, quality testing, and distribution. Awareness meetings will be held in each Panchayat to promote Rainwater Harvesting (RWH) and Grey Water Management at the household level to curb wastage.
Phase 4: “Zero Leakage Week”
The final phase of the campaign will be observed as “Zero Leakage Week”, during which the Department will undertake repair of leakages identified in the water distribution network to ensure efficient water delivery and minimize wastage.
Parallel Activities in Schools
Simultaneously, the Department of Education has been requested to organize painting, essay, and poetry competitions on the theme ‘Efficient Use of Water’ in all schools across the Islands. The top three entries in each category from every school will be suitably awarded to recognize and encourage creative engagement with the theme.
