Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept. 29
The Lt. Governor, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Dr. Dinesh Sharma reviewed the overall status of water supply in the Islands during a high-level review meeting held at Lok Niwas today. The meeting was attended by the Chief Secretary, Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Public Works Department), Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Urban Development), Deputy Commissioner of South Andaman and senior officers of APWD and Sri Vijaya Puram Municipal Council. During the meeting, a detailed assessment of the current water availability in Sri Vijaya Puram Municipal Council area, surrounding rural areas of South Andaman and North and Middle Andaman and Nicobar Districts was presented. The assessment included available water resources, potential water scarcity in the coming months and proposed short-term and long-term measures to deal with the situation, along with their implementation timelines.
The Lt. Governor directed all the concerned Departments to ensure strict adherence to the timelines stipulated under the Water Action Plan prepared for addressing the water crisis. He emphasized that all short-term measures should be implemented on priority basis so that adequate water availability is ensured before the onset of summer season. In view of the deficit rainfall during the current monsoon as well as the last north-east monsoon and the depleting water levels in major water sources including the Dhanikhari dam, the Lt. Governor directed the departments to adopt a decentralized and diversified approach for water supply. Emphasis was laid on developing viable new water sources, including ponds, check-weirs and borewells, to augment local water availability.
The Lt. Governor further directed that the remaining work of Rutland Phase-II be completed by December 2026, so that an additional 9.5 MLD of water can be supplied to the Dhanikhari dam and further distributed to the Sri Vijaya Puram Municipal Council. He also directed that water available in Dhankhari dam and other sources be conserved for use in summer months, wherever possible. Water from water-rich sources like Burmanallah, Lal Mitti and Junjunallah can be suitably diverted to water deficit areas through new water supply schemes. Instructions were given to start and complete such schemes on a war footing and to ensure their operation before the onset of summer.
The Lt. Governor directed for strict monitoring of progress of future major water supply projects including Guptapara, Maccapahad, Rutland Phase-III (springs of Eastern region) and Koila Nallah in South Andaman and Korang Nallah and Khudirampur Dam in North and Middle Andaman at administrative level so that the process of preparation of Detailed Project Report (DPR) can be expedited. Instructions were given to expedite the projects for long term water supply whose DPRs are under preparation or have been prepared to send to the concerned Ministry or competent authority for approval and funding so that permanent water sources can be developed at the earliest. The Lt. Governor emphasized that the projections of future water demand should adequately account for the needs arising from population growth and future infrastructure development, including expansion of the tourism sector. In view of the recurring water scarcity in South Andaman, it was directed that the request for revision of the time-line for preparation of DPR of Guptapara (4,000 ML) and Maccapahad dam (9,000 ML) may be made to the Central Water Commission and the DPR may be completed within 12 months instead of 18 months. For the Rutland Phase-III, which envisages to supply an additional 10 MLD of water by integrating five natural springs in the eastern part of Rutland, the proposal may be submitted by December 2027. Similarly, the Flat Bay water supply scheme, with an estimated capacity of 11,000 ML, may also be finalised and sent to the Ministry for assessment and determination of suitable funding sources.
The Lt. Governor directed to intensify efforts for development of ponds and other rainwater harvesting structures, particularly in South Islands, including Kamorta, Chowra and Nancowrie, and in North and Middle Andaman, where frequent water scarcity occurs during summer due to limited storage capacity. A comprehensive action plan will be prepared covering all the affected villages with the objective of eliminating recurring summer water scarcity in these areas.
The Lt. Governor directed all the officers to prioritize public grievances related to water supply and complete the ongoing projects on time. He also directed to conduct Information, Education and Communication (IEC) programmes to promote water conservation, recycling and reuse, reduce domestic water demand and encourage the use of harvested rainwater for non-domestic purposes. Officials of Sri Vijaya Puram Municipal Council and APWD were directed that water supply should not be affected in coming months despite the possible impact of deficit rainfall and current climatic conditions. Appropriate distribution arrangements and timely completion of all ongoing water supply works be ensured under short term measures. The Lt. Governor further directed that surprise inspections may be conducted by senior officers at the administrative level to monitor the progress and quality of ongoing water supply works and to ensure timely implementation.
