Staff Correspondent
Swadesh Nagar, May 7: Serious concerns have been raised over the ongoing construction of a new Anganwadi Centre at Ward No. 2 of Swadesh Nagar, Middle Andaman with the Gram Panchayat Pradhan alleging major flaws in planning, drainage management and hygiene safety at the project site.
Pradhan Mr. Debabrata Das, while inspecting the under-construction Anganwadi building, recorded an official objection and appealed to senior district authorities, including the Deputy Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner and Chief Secretary, to intervene and ensure corrective measures before the project is completed.
According to the Pradhan, the new Anganwadi Centre was sanctioned after years of effort and public demand, but the execution of the work has ignored the practical realities of the site. He stated that the area is naturally low-lying and receives heavy runoff water flowing down from nearby hill slopes during the rainy season. Despite this, a significant quantity of soil was excavated from the site, reportedly reducing the ground level by nearly one metre.
“The original land surface has been cut down heavily even though this entire area remains waterlogged during rains. Instead of improving the elevation, the site has been dug further down, creating the possibility of stagnant water accumulation around the Anganwadi premises,” the Pradhan alleged.
He pointed out that the old Anganwadi structure had been constructed at a comparatively higher level keeping flood and rainwater issues in mind. However, the new structure, though being built according to a standard design approved under the Social Welfare Department, allegedly lacks proper site-specific modifications required for the local terrain.
During the inspection, the Pradhan highlighted the septic tank area and claimed that rainwater regularly accumulates there. He expressed concern that once the building becomes operational, stagnant water near the septic tank and surrounding areas could create unhygienic conditions for children attending the centre.
He further stated that Anganwadi Centres are not only used for preschool education but also for nutrition-related activities, food preparation, health awareness programmes and Poshan Pakhwada events. In such circumstances, he argued, maintaining hygiene and proper drainage is essential.
“The purpose of development work should be public interest, especially the safety and hygiene of children. This is not merely about completing work quickly, submitting bills and processing payments,” he remarked during the site inspection.
The Pradhan alleged that neither the Panchayat nor the Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) received regular updates or adequate consultation during the preparation of the project estimate. He claimed that the estimate was prepared by officials of the APWD Sub-Division No. III without proper coordination with local stakeholders who had originally demanded the Anganwadi Centre.
He also questioned the proposed drainage solution suggested by engineering officials. According to him, APWD Assistant Engineer had reportedly informed that a toe wall and drainage system would be constructed to divert water. However, the Pradhan argued that even if outside water is diverted, rainwater falling directly from the roof would continue to accumulate within the lowered compound area due to the absence of an effective outlet.
“The problem is not only external water flow. Rainwater from the roof will remain trapped inside the premises and create stagnant pools. That is our biggest concern,” he said.
The Pradhan maintained that the construction should be modified immediately to ensure better drainage, proper land filling and improved safety standards before completion. He termed his statement an “official objection” and urged authorities to issue concrete directions for rectification of the work.
Meanwhile, local residents are reportedly watching the situation closely, as the Anganwadi Centre is expected to play an important role in early childhood education and nutrition services in the area.
