Sri Vijayapuram, February 23: The Executive Engineer, North Andaman Construction Division (NACD), Andaman Public Works Department (APWD), Mayabunder, has issued a notice (F. No. 145/NACD/APWD/MB/2025-26/522) announcing curtailment of water supply in several areas under Mayabunder with effect from February 25, 2026, due to depletion of water sources. The revised schedule indicates a reduction in the frequency of supply in affected villages until further notice.
Meanwhile, APWD has also planned a water conservation awareness programme on February 26, 2026. However, the move has drawn criticism from former Pramukh of Mayabunder, Mr. Abdul Siddique, who has questioned the department’s handling of the ongoing water crisis.
In a communication addressed to the media, Mr. Siddique alleged that residents of Mayabunder have been facing acute water shortages since last year and that the situation has worsened compared to previous years. He claimed that instead of organizing awareness campaigns, the department should focus on identifying and implementing long-term solutions to address the scarcity.
He further alleged mismanagement within the department and questioned whether the responsibility of water conservation should rest solely with the general public. He also stated that, according to reliable sources, new water sources have been identified in the Mayabunder area and expressed confidence that the issue would be resolved soon under the leadership of the Deputy Commissioner, Shri Sushant Padha (IAS), and Assistant Commissioner (HQ) Shri Krishna Chaitanya.
Mr. Siddique maintained that the credit for resolving the crisis should go to the District Administration rather than NACD, APWD, Mayabunder. He expressed hope that the measures being undertaken under the Deputy Commissioner’s leadership would yield positive results in the near future.
The situation continues to be closely watched by residents as authorities work to manage the water shortage.
