DJ Venkatesh
Diglipur, April 24: With dried up water sources in different parts of North Andaman, Diglipur may face the worst ever water crisis before the onset on monsoon this year. According to reports, water levels at various sources depleted recently after which APWD imposed harsh supply restrictions leaving residents with just 15-30 minutes of water supply on alternate days, while supply has been completely cut off in areas like Sitanagar, Bhasadeck etc.
Areas like Lamia Bay to Aerial Bay having no shortage of water due to a natural water spring at Lamia bay which supplies water during summer season also. The water can be seen flowing continuously but administration or APWD did not take any steps to utilize this water and serve in Diglipur area.
The natural spring at Nabagram, Kalighat also caters to water requirements in areas like Ramnagar, Nabagram and Kalighat.
Similarly, the Diglipur bazaar depends on Kalpong river for water and the depleting water levels has left a population of over 13,000 high and dry. Hotels, Restaurants and other commercial establishments have reportedly decided to shut down operations on Sunday due to the water scarcity. Even agricultural activities have been hit as water level in various ponds desiccated with rising mercury levels.
According to reports, the APWD has been supplying potable water from Navin Nagar for the past four decades and a pump house has been set up which draws water from Kalpong river and pumped to treatment plants at Subhashgram. The water is then relayed to other Water Storages.
But power failure sometimes leads to disruption in water collection and distribution and the APWD has till date failed to find a permanent solution to the problem. About 8 portable Pumping Engines has been installed at the Station, but with low water levels at Kalpong, the APWD is finding it extremely difficult to provide adequate supply in Diglipur area.
“After the Dam was constructed at Kalpong, the water dramatically dries up in the summer seasons. Over the years, APWD has failed to find a solution to the issue. The foundation stone for Khudirampur Dam was laid by the Lt. Governor during February 2015 as a permanent solution to water crisis in Diglipur area.
But for pending environment clearances and other issues, the project is yet to kick off. Monsoon rains are expected to arrive in these islands from May to June and it remains to be seen whether the APWD and the Administration can ward off a drought like situation in Diglipur,” said some residents of Diglipur.
