Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept. 9: The A&N Administration has appealed to the general public to use water judiciously and adopt water conservation practices in their day-to-day activities. The A&N Islands are presently experiencing a rainfall deficiency of approximately 21% during the current monsoon period, as per IMD data. The rainfall received during the period from May to September was 1647 mm against the normal rainfall of 4618 mm received in the Dhanikari area.
The reduced rainfall has also affected replenishment of reservoirs and other drinking-water sources specifically in SVPMC area. At present, the water availability/storage position in Dhanikari Dam is 2400 ML storage against 7532 ML during the same period in last year.
Although the Administration is continuously monitoring the situation and taking necessary measures to maintain drinking-water supply, water is a shared and finite resource and its conservation requires active participation of every household, institution and commercial establishment. Even small changes in daily habits can collectively result in substantial savings.
The Administration therefore appeals to all residents to follow simple water-saving practices:
• Avoid leaving taps running while brushing, washing utensils or carrying out household chores.
• Repair leaking taps, pipes, overhead tanks and plumbing fixtures immediately.
• Avoid overflowing of overhead water tanks; wherever possible, use automatic cut-off/float valves.
• Use buckets instead of running hoses for washing vehicles and outdoor areas.
• Avoid using potable water for unnecessary washing of courtyards, driveways and open spaces.
• Reuse water from washing vegetables and other suitable household activities for gardening and cleaning.
• Harvest and store rainwater wherever feasible for non-potable purposes.
• Hotels, institutions, offices, commercial establishments and housing societies are requested to periodically check their internal water systems for leakages and avoid excessive consumption.
• Any leakage or avoidable wastage noticed in the public water-supply network may be promptly brought to the notice of the concerned APWD (03192-251185 or 18003451666) and SVPMC (03192-231179) authorities.
The Administration is simultaneously taking measures for augmentation of water sources, improvement of storage, reduction of distribution losses and strengthening of long-term water security across the Islands. However, infrastructure augmentation needs to be complemented by responsible consumption.
The citizens of the Islands are therefore requested to make water conservation a regular habit rather than a measure adopted only during periods of scarcity. Every litre saved today contributes towards ensuring adequate water availability for the community tomorrow. The Administration seeks the cooperation of all Islanders in ensuring responsible, equitable and sustainable use of this precious resource.
