Sri Vijaya Puram, October 25: In a commendable initiative promoting environmental conservation, water preservation and community welfare, the Rotary Club of Port Blair, in collaboration with the Sri Vijaya Puram Municipal Council (SVMC), has successfully restored a neglected public well dating back to the Japanese era at Prem Nagar, Sri Vijaya Puram, today.
The project involved the cleaning, facelift and fencing of the well, transforming a neglected public space into a useful community asset. Taking more than a month to complete, the initiative stands as a shining example of teamwork, civic responsibility and the power of collective action.
The project was accomplished through the coordinated efforts of the SVMC Engineering Wing, sanitary staff and Rotary members. Those associated with this meaningful initiative included Rtn. Arun Srivastava, President, Rotary Club of Port Blair; Rtn. Dr. K.A. Naveen, Secretary; R.K. Raj, Social Worker; Jepson Daniel, Executive Engineer, SVMC; Supriya Roy, Jr. Engineer, SVMC; and Dr. Chanda Srivastava, along with the supporting staff of the Sri Vijaya Puram Municipal Council. Past Presidents Rtn. Dr. Dinesh and Rtn. G. Dhinakaran were also present.
The restoration highlights the importance of protecting traditional water resources and preserving the historical assets of the islands. At a time when water conservation has become increasingly important, every effort to safeguard existing water sources deserves appreciation. Every drop saved today is an investment in tomorrow.
The restored well is intended to benefit the local community for bathing and other non-potable purposes only. The water is strictly not meant for drinking or washing clothes. To promote hygiene and responsible usage, a multilingual information banner has also been installed explaining the dos and don’ts for maintaining the well and keeping its surroundings clean.
The residents of Prem Nagar have expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the Rotary Club of Port Blair and SVMC for their valuable contribution towards improving the locality and restoring this public amenity.
This collaborative initiative exemplifies Rotary’s enduring motto, “Service Above Self.” It also demonstrates how a partnership between civic authorities, voluntary organisations and local communities can breathe new life into neglected public spaces while fostering environmental awareness and a stronger sense of shared responsibility.
The successful restoration of this historic well is not merely a facelift of a public utility; it is a reminder that meaningful change begins when people and institutions come together for the common good.
