Khudirampur Dam Project Remains Stalled After 11 Years, Water Crisis Persists in Diglipur

Pipon Gain & Vikramadity
Sri Vijaya Puram, Apr. 16: Even after more than eleven years, construction of the proposed dam over the Kalpong River at Khudirampur village in Diglipur has yet to commence, forcing residents to endure acute water shortages, particularly during the dry season.
The project, once envisioned as a long-term solution to the region’s recurring water crisis, has yet to see the light of the day. The Andaman and Nicobar Administration had initiated plans to construct the dam with the objective of conserving water resources and ensuring sustainable supply for villagers and farmers across Diglipur. A proposal was formally prepared and approved, and a detailed investigation report was also sought from the concerned department.
On February 1, 2015, the foundation stone for the Khudirampur Dam was laid by the then Lt Governor Lt Gen A.K. Singh (Retd.) in the presence of then Member of Parliament Bishnu Pada Ray, former Chief Secretary Anand Prakash (IAS), and senior officials of the APWD. The announcement had raised high hopes among local residents that the persistent scarcity of potable water would soon be addressed.
However, over the years, progress on the project gradually came to a halt, and the initiative appears to have been shelved. As a result, the people of Diglipur continue to face severe shortages of drinking water, particularly during peak summer months, when water availability drops significantly.
Local residents believe that the proposed dam is a practical and much-needed solution, which, if completed, could transform the water scenario in the entire region. “The dam project is a well-planned initiative, and once implemented, it will prove to be a boon for Diglipur,” said several optimistic villagers.
Speaking to Andaman Sheekha, Subashgram Pradhan Mr. Singaram expressed concern over the delay. He pointed out that despite the foundation stone being laid over a decade ago, no actual construction work has begun. “We have raised this issue multiple times, including during recent administrative visits, but we are only told that the matter is under consideration,” he said.
Highlighting the current situation, he added that water supply in many areas is irregular, with some places receiving water only on alternate days. In certain locations, even natural water sources have dried up, worsening the crisis.
Residents have also submitted representations and letters to the authorities, urging them to revive the long-pending project. With no concrete response so far, frustration continues to grow among the people.
As Diglipur faces another harsh summer, the demand for immediate action on the Khudirampur Dam project is once again gaining momentum, with locals hoping that the administration will take decisive steps to address the long-standing issue.