Sri Vijaya Puram, October 25: The Lieutenant Governor, A&N Islands, Dr. Dinesh Sharma, participated in the programme organised at Sri Vijaya Puram on the occasion of the 69th Foundation Day of the Andaman Public Works Department (APWD) and extended his warm congratulations and best wishes to all officers, engineers and employees of the Department. The programme was attended by the Member of Parliament, Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray; the Commissioner-cum-Secretary (APWD), Dr. Sachin Shinde; the Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman; the Superintendent of Police, South Andaman; the Chief Engineer; and other senior officers and dignitaries.
The Lieutenant Governor stated that this year’s theme, “Save Water, Save Life,” conveys the message that the objective of development is not merely to construct infrastructure, but also to make the lives of citizens safer, easier and better. He appreciated the commendable work undertaken by the Department in improving road connectivity, developing water sources, enhancing water supply capacity and strengthening infrastructure despite the challenging geographical conditions.
The Lieutenant Governor said that the construction of approximately 10 km of rural road from Gandhi Nagar to Paschim Sagar in Diglipur and the improvement of approximately 20 km of roads in various areas have been completed. In the field of water availability, initiatives have been undertaken through Rutland Phase-I, Joda Nallah Weir, Triple Pond, ponds in the TRS Quarry area and borewells to provide an additional water supply of approximately 10.832 MLD.
The Lieutenant Governor emphasised the time-bound implementation of major water projects such as Guptapara Nallah, Burma Nallah and Rutland Phase-II. He directed that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Guptapara Dam be prepared, an additional 6 MLD of water be made available through the Rutland Phase-II project, and special attention be given to rainwater harvesting and storage. He also directed that new technologies be adopted in road construction while strictly adhering to the prescribed standards of quality and transparency.
He further directed regular monitoring of works relating to the rejuvenation of water sources, construction of ponds, borewells, filter beds and water storage structures, and improvement of pipeline networks in various areas, including Sri Vijaya Puram, Ferrargunj, Rangat and Mayabunder.
He stated that long-term water security, improved road and bridge connectivity, time-bound execution, quality, transparency, accountability and environmentally balanced development would remain the major priorities of the Department.
The Lieutenant Governor directed that timely promotions of APWD engineers be ensured, unnecessarily pending disciplinary proceedings be disposed of, and vacant posts be filled through deputation.
Concluding his address, the Lieutenant Governor said he expected all officers and employees to ensure that every project meets the test of public interest. He expressed confidence that APWD, through its technical capabilities, experience and dedication, would make an even more meaningful contribution to the overall development of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
